Time

by Steve Hale

We Americans are obsessed with time. Need proof? In the cellar in Boulder, Colorado, is locked the standard for determining a second in the United States. The National Institute of Standards and Technology operates this cesium device, called NBS-6. In short, it is the nation's most precise atomic clock. It is accurate to within one second in 300,000 years!
The NIST scientists have mastered timekeeping so thoroughly that they now define a meter by timekeeping! On and on it goes!
It's good to be time conscience, and a good steward of time. Paul said: "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" ( Ephesians 4:15-16).
As with most everything else, we must develop a balanced view of timekeeping and stewardship. it is true that when we waste time, we waste life, because time is the stuff of which life is made. it is also true, however, that undue stress and anxiety will shorten one's life and opportunity of service. It is a form of abuse to
the Temple of the Holy Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
Let me offer some practical suggestions that may help us relieve stress, yet fulfill our obligations:

1. 80/20 Rule. 80% of our time should usually be spent with 20% of the most important tasks. Everyday, make a priority list, in descending order of importance. Tackle the most important things first, and work at them until you complete them, before going on to the next, etc. Completion gives a sense of satisfaction and self-worth.

2. Self-Worth. Many of us base self- worth on production. Certainly, while we do not want to be lazy (2 Thess. 3:10, 11), self-worth comes from the fact that we are made in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26), and that we are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). Somedays, the production is bound to be down. An unbalanced view of production=self- worth can destroy one's self-esteem, and lead to sadness or even depression!

3. Be optimistic. There is victory Jesus ( 1 Corinthians 15:57)!

October 4, 1992

Related Articles:

Now-N-Later -Dec 05, 1999
The Watch -Dec 11, 1994
The Clock -Oct 09, 1994
Prioritizing Time -Dec 05, 1993
Take Time to Be Holy -Feb 07, 1993

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Time by Steve Hale We Americans are obsessed with time. Need proof? In the cellar in Boulder, Colorado, is locked the standard for determining a second in the United States. The National Institute of Standards and Technology operates this cesium device, called NBS-6. In short, it is the nation's most precise atomic clock. It is accurate to within one second in 300,000 years! The NIST scientists have mastered timekeeping so thoroughly that they now define a meter by timekeeping! On and on it goes! It's good to be time conscience, and a good steward of time. Paul said: "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" ( Ephesians 4:15-16). As with most everything else, we must develop a balanced view of timekeeping and stewardship. it is true that when we waste time, we waste life, because time is the stuff of which life is made. it is also true, however, that undue stress and anxiety will shorten one's life and opportunity of service. It is a form of abuse to the Temple of the Holy Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) Let me offer some practical suggestions that may help us relieve stress, yet fulfill our obligations: 1. 80/20 Rule. 80% of our time should usually be spent with 20% of the most important tasks. Everyday, make a priority list, in descending order of importance. Tackle the most important things first, and work at them until you complete them, before going on to the next, etc. Completion gives a sense of satisfaction and self-worth. 2. Self-Worth. Many of us base self- worth on production. Certainly, while we do not want to be lazy (2 Thess. 3:10, 11), self-worth comes from the fact that we are made in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26), and that we are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). Somedays, the production is bound to be down. An unbalanced view of production=self- worth can destroy one's self-esteem, and lead to sadness or even depression! 3. Be optimistic. There is victory Jesus ( 1 Corinthians 15:57)! October 4, 1992 Related Articles: Now-N-Later -Dec 05, 1999 The Watch -Dec 11, 1994 The Clock -Oct 09, 1994 Prioritizing Time -Dec 05, 1993 Take Time to Be Holy -Feb 07, 1993 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM