Psalm 90:10-12 (KJV)
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Have you ever thought about the longevity or the brevity of time? The Bible says in the verse above that the normal life expectancy is 70 years, 80 if you’re strong. It points out that those 70 or 80 years are spent laboring and in sorrow. Then before we know it, life is cut off and we are gone. The verses seems to indicate that our lives could be longer if we didn’t arouse God’s anger. What could we have done that triggered God’s anger towards us?
Proverbs 9:10 says that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Is it possible that we’ve not been wise in the use of our time; that we not have developed a healthy fear of God, nor have knowledge of the Holy One?
Another question that comes to mind is, “What do we do with the time we’ve been blessed with?” Let me suggest, recommend, make an observation, if you will, that we look at it from two perspectives; spiritually and relationally.
From a spiritual perspective, which is the primary objective, the Bible says that we should “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…, (Matthew 6:33 KJV).” When we get to the point in our lives where we can decide for ourselves what’s right for us, the Bible says we should seek the kingdom of God by developing a relationship with God. We become His disciples or followers. Once we do that, Jesus assures us in the same verse that “all these things shall be added unto you.” Those ‘things’ He was referring to were the essentials for life; what we eat, what we drink, and what we wear (Matthew 6:31).
From a relational or human perspective, Jesus commands us to “love one another” (John 15:17 KJV). “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35 KJV). The love we show for others is the evidence of the love we have for Him.
So, choose any of the 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds God so graciously gives to us each day and establish a relationship with Him, then take another to go and to share His love with someone, anyone, dare I say everyone you meet on that day. “’Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV). I can’t think of a better way to use your time wisely.
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
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