Stewardship Devotional Day 8
The Treasure Principle #1 – Time

                Randy Alcorn has a fascinating book called The Treasure Principle. It is a simple book that deals with the simple truth that God owns everything and we are the stewards or managers of what God has entrusted to our care. Matthew 6:19-21 is the classic scripture on stewardship. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In his book, Randy Alcorn talks about how we are to be stewards of our time, talents, and treasures. Stewardship is not just about money. It involves every aspect of our lives. Remember, it all belongs to God. Therefore, everything we have and everything we are should be invested in His Kingdom.

                The scripture says that where we invest our treasures is where our heart is also. It is often said that to know your heart, examine your day planner and your checkbook. How you spend your time and how you spend your money is a good indication of where your heart is.

The first treasure principle has to do with time. The scripture says in Ephesians 5:16, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This means that we should make good use of our time while we have the opportunity. Life on earth is short. The Bible says that it is a vapor. Life is fleeting. Therefore, we should invest our time wisely. We should make the most of the days that God has given us.

Time is truly a gift from God. Every day we wake up is a new day with a new opportunity to serve the Lord. Every moment is a gift from God. Therefore, we should consider every moment as both a blessing and an opportunity. John Piper has a book called, Don’t waste your life. It is a really good read and I would recommend every young person especially, to read it. It is sad how many people live wasted lives. They live out their days with no real purpose. No vision. No goals. No passion.

Many Christians waste their lives because they misunderstand the eternal life they have in Jesus. It must be understood that eternal life began the moment that you accepted Jesus as your Savior. How you live today has an impact in eternity. What you do and how you live in eternity is determined by how you use your time in this life and whether or not you are laying up treasures in Heaven. So don’t waste the time that God has given you. Make every moment count. Every conversation. Every decision. Every reaction or response. Live for the glory of God every second of every day.

How will you steward your time this week? Will you spend adequate time with God in prayer and Bible study? Will you attend church and connect with other believers? Will you witness and share your faith with the lost? Look at your day planner. Is your time invested in fruitful Kingdom purposes or is your time centered around selfish desires? Steward your time well for His glory.