Daily Devotion: Faithful Steward of Time

Scripture:
Ephesians 5:15-21

Main Verse:
Ephesians 5: 15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Observation:
If you had an extra hour in a day, what would you do with it?

In my old job, I have read and heard various answers from students. Some said they would spend that time doing homework, others would want to use that time to watch more TV or play more games, while others would want to have more time to play with their friends. Time is indeed precious, and if you are a busy person, perhaps your favorite motto is "Time is gold." In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul advised and cautioned them that they should make the most of every opportunity. We have limited time here on earth, so we need to make good use of the time that God has given to us. We need to spend an equal amount of time for our family, career, leisure, and rest.  More importantly, we also need to spend time with the Lord. We need to make wise use of our time, being careful not to waste any of it on trivial matters.

Application:
What's occupying most of your time and your mind? Do you spend too much time playing games or watching TV that you forget to have time for rest? Do you spend too much time at work that you forget to have time for your family? Do you spend too much time traveling or studying and getting a higher degree? There is nothing wrong with spending SOME time with all of these things. I was and am sometimes guilty of these things, too. Now, I do not want to be labeled a killjoy, but you see, the things I wrote above won't matter anymore when we face the Lord.When we die and face the Lord, He will not ask us the highest score we got on our favorite mobile or computer game. He will not ask us the highest position we attained in our company or the highest achievement we had in school. He will not ask us how many countries we have visited during the years we've spent here on earth. When we stand in front of the Lord, we will be judged according to how we have lived our life. We need to be faithful stewards of the time the Lord has given us. Let us remember that everything we have here on earth--our life, time, money, EVERYTHING--belongs to the Lord, so we have to be responsible in managing them wisely.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving me my life, for giving me time to enjoy your abundant blessings, and for taking care of my daily needs. I pray, oh Lord, that I may be a wise steward of the time you have given me here on earth so when I come to the end of my life and stand in front of you, I may hear you say, "Well done!"