Taking Time

Think about the old favorite hymn "Take Time to be Holy." Considering the theme of this song it’s easy to see that in order to do anything worth while it takes time. No matter what we might be engaged in or trying to accomplish, it will take a concentrated effort along with time to see the end result. For instance, think of the time you spent getting ready for church services. You spent time in reading and study so that you could be prepared for bible study hour. You filled in the blanks of the questions and made notes in your workbook. You took the time to get up early enough so that you could be here at 10 AM thus reaping the benefits of group Bible study, keeping in mind the words of Paul when he told Timothy to "Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).

Perhaps you took the time last week to do something good for someone in need. You could have spent your time doing something you enjoyed but you sacrificed a little of your personal time in order to make someone more comfortable. By doing so you fulfilled "the Law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) and let other people see Jesus Christ in you.

Maybe you took the time to pray to our Heavenly Father. Everyday you set aside some time from your busy day to talk to God. As you continue your talks with Him, you get closer and closer to Him. We know this because the Bible tells us that if we draw near to God, He in turn will draw near to us (James 4:8). We are to pray and pray often, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) so that we can continue to develop a personal relationship with the Almighty God through our Savior Jesus Christ.

If you did not take time to serve God last week, then let us encourage you to begin to serve Him today. Make that commitment to take time everyday to talk to God, love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul. Take the time to serve others first, then yourself. If we will but apply these principles into our everyday lives, they will be full, busy, fruitful and rewarding. A life where we "take time to be holy" will lead us down that narrow, rocky, and difficult path (Matthew 7:13-14) toward that final place with God (John 14:1-4).

Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ
Maud, Texas