August 2016 Newsletter
What’s the time?
And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:29-31)
Most of us spend a considerable portion of our time worrying. If we added up all the time we spend wondering how we are going to make ends meet, what we are going to do about a particular situation, which job we should go for, and why things aren’t the way we feel they should be, the result would probably come as a shock to us – and hopefully as a wakeup call. Countless hours are wasted through worry; hours that could have been used in a more productive way. Instead of being overwhelmed by our own cares, we could have used that time encouraging someone else – or thanking God for His goodness towards us. But how do we overcome worry? What do we do when the future seems bleak and we don’t know what will be tomorrow?
Jesus challenges us regarding our worries. As His followers, we are to be different to the ‘pagan world’, to those who do not know God. We have a loving Father who cares for us. He knows our needs and He is well able to supply them. All we have to do is ask – and trust that He will take care of us.
Trust has little to do with understanding our circumstances or figuring out how our needs will be met; it is all about the one in whom we put our confidence. To trust, we do not need to know the future or even comprehend our present situation. All we need to know is that the one whom we trust is trustworthy.
Jesus addresses the issue of focus – seek the kingdom of God, set your minds on His purpose. And as you do so, your loving Father will take care of everything else. God’s plans for us are plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
So then we must each ask ourselves the question: What is it that dominates my thoughts? Where do I invest my time and effort? Is it in His kingdom? Or am I so preoccupied with my apparent needs that I have lost sight of His purpose for my life? Am I missing out on His blessings while focusing all my attention on my cares?
One day we will all have to give account for the way we have used the resources God has given us: our gifts and talents, our material resources, our physical strength, and our time. One day this life will be over and there will be no opportunity to go back and do things differently. Every day, every minute, every second that has gone by has passed forever. We will never get it back. Whatever we have done with our time will remain our legacy. That is why Paul warns us (Ephesians 5:15): Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Time can be our greatest enemy, as it quietly ticks away; but it can also be our greatest gift – an opportunity to live a life of purpose, to make a difference. God has given us this life so we can honour Him: through our actions and through our worship. Let us resolve to live every day, every minute for His kingdom and His purpose. He will surely take care of those who will honour Him with their lives.