Time To Begin Anew

Time is something that is unique to mankind.

All that we do is measured by time. Employees take their time card and punch a time clock every day. Their pay is based on time. Some of us carry day planners to remind of us appointments so that we are on time! Most sporting events are based on time. We wear watches to keep track of the time. And, of course, a year is measured by time according to the Gregorian calendar.

 
The year 2013 marks the time of a new beginning In terms of taxes, insurance, and business success, we start over in the new year. Students have an opportunity to begin a new year and make a fresh start. Sporting teams often employ the new year as a time to positively answer that cry, “Wait ‘til next year!”

Let me suggest it is also a good time to make a new beginning spiritually. To reassess  our strengths. To admit our weaknesses. To resolve to change. And determine to improve in the coming year. This is a good time to rearrange our priorities, reestablish our values and restore our focus.

The Bible speaks of the value of time and the need to properly use it. Paul admonished, in Eph 5:15-16, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The Psalmist cautioned, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” And the wise man observed, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 2:1

Here are four things that will help you use timely wisely and begin anew in this new year.

(1) Start now. Don’t put off. Or procrastinate. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Begin today. Take some time away from the food, fun and football, and focus on some spiritual goals for 2013. Write them down. “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

(2) Make time your servant, not your master. Don’t become a slave to time. Don’t allow the clock to control you. Make time serve you and the goals you have set.

(3) Practice time management. The Bible principle of stewardship not only relates to money but to time. Use your time wisely. Budget your time. It is easy to waste time. Set your goals. Identify your proprieties. Then invest your time to accomplish what is really important and value driven.

(4) Live with a view that time is transitory. Time is fleeting. Time is temporary. Time will end. “It is appointed to man once to die” (Heb. 9:27). When time ends, it will be too late to change anything. Time and opportunity will both cease.  So, make today count!

What will you do with the time in 2013? What happens this year may depend on what you decide today. And so “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Make it a good one! And make 2013 your best year ever for the Lord.

Happy New Year!

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman