The Time of Day

We live in a time where we have never moved at a faster pace and yet accomplished so little. Do you ever wonder about the time we spend and what we spend it on in a typical day? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in an average day, employed people between the ages of 25 to 54 with children spend it doing;

• Household activities (1.0 hours)
• Eating and drinking (1.0 hours)
• Caring for others (1.2 hours)
• Sleeping (7.7 hours)
• Working and related activities (8.9 hours)
• Other (1.6 hours)
• Leisure and sports (2.5 hours)

While your day may be different (for me it was a little heavy on sleeping and a little light on eating), the reality is that we spend our time on what we consider important. In looking at the list above, there seems to be little time for God and God-honoring activities yet God commands the he be first in our life. Honoring God and following his word tells the world where our allegiance lies. In 1 John 2:4-5, we read: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”

Simply put, our lives will show others if God is in us or not. What do people see? Are you honest enough with yourself to ask that question or will you explain away why you chose to neglect God and his ways? Dr. Lee Roberson said, “The commands of Christ are sharp and clear, but the response of his people is often measured and lifeless.” Measured and lifeless…some are just going through the motions if they go at all. Where is the desire to please God? Where is the desire to be obedient?

The Expositors Bible Commentary says “As obedience is practiced, so God's love matures in us.” If we exhibit a lack of obedience to the direction of God, we can never expect to mature in him. You will always struggle as long as you choose to be disobedient.  Where are you when the time to “assemble” comes? What does your personal study time look like? Do you have a personal and active prayer life? That phrase in verse 5 is telling: “hereby know we that we are in him.” What do your actions portray? Enjoy your coffee.
​
Love you all,
Pastor Gary