Time — How are you spending it? One of the greatest blessings is the gift of time. We all have it, but we don't all spend it the same way.
I've thought a lot about this question over the years, especially when both my mother and father going home to be with the Lord in heaven. I realize now more than ever how valuable our hours and days really are. Paul encourages us to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). We are to make the most of our time and take advantage of every opportunity.
So then, how can we best use our time? I think the Lord Jesus sheds light on this in John 15:16 —
You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name.
John 15:16 NLT
Jesus has chosen us with purpose and eternally loves us. He has something in mind for us — a plan and a purpose — and the result is productive – everlasting fruit is produced. Paul says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). Oh yes, dear friend, He has a plan for how you spend your days. And that plan will result in everlasting fruit.
So how can you know what to do? How do you spend this most precious commodity … time? Again, Jesus gives the answer in John 15:4-5 —
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing."
John 15:4-5 NLT
The secret to wise living, making the most of every opportunity, and producing everlasting fruit is to walk and live intimately with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is your life and provides everything you need every moment of the day.
I was relaxing outside on our patio one Spring afternoon and suddenly I saw this beautiful grapefruit hanging from our tree. Our grapefruit tree is just behind this little fountain, so it does not particularly draw much attention away from the sparkling water cascading down this block of granite. But there it was, a ripe grapefruit, the sun striking it just so perfectly. And this sole grapefruit was ripe and luscious and healthy peaking temptingly from among the green leaves on the branches. Obviously this grapefruit tree had received enough water and sunlight and nutrients that it needed to produce fruit. A delicious moment! What a surprise!
Oh friend, if you are in a place right now where you are wondering where you are going and what you are doing, then draw near to the Vine, the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay close to Him. He will lead you and guide you. Don't be afraid of the rests and pauses in certain seasons. Life is not always meant to move at breakneck speed.
Wherever you are, be all there with Jesus. Talk with Him. Walk with Him. Learn from Him. Sit at His feet and listen to His Word. When Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to Him, Jesus said, "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42 NLT).
Have you discovered the wondrous joy of investing your time in ways that produce those things that last forever? When you give away the love of Jesus to someone, you're making a wise investment. When you offer hope to one in despair, you are allowing the Lord to work in and through you to produce fruit that lasts forever. No time is ever wasted when you spend it with the Lord, and it will result in eternal fruit.
So take care to spend your time wisely, dear friend. Bil Keane, the famed cartoonist for The Family Circus, has said, "Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." May we all open that gift and make the most of every moment.
Lord, today we thank You for the gift of time and ask that you will produce much everlasting fruit in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
