The Landlord's Lease: Making the Most of Your Time
As Christians, we believe that everything we have is a gift from God, including our time. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." As we navigate life, it's important to remember that we are merely tenants in God's creation, and we have a responsibility to use our time wisely.
In James 4:13-17, we read about the importance of being mindful of the brevity of life and making the most of our time. Just as a lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions of a tenant's stay in a rental property, we too have a lease agreement with God, which governs how we use our time.
Let's take a closer look at the aspects of this lease agreement:
The Length of the Lease: James 4:14 reminds us that life is short and uncertain. It's important to make the most of the time we have, as Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart."
Terms of Use: Just as a lease agreement specifies the terms of use for a rental property, we too have terms of use for our time.
A. Spend time with God: We should prioritize spending time with God in prayer, worship, and reading His word. As we draw closer to Him, we will find that our time is better spent and we will have a greater sense of purpose.
B. Spend time with your loved ones: Our relationships with family and friends are some of the most important things in life. We should prioritize spending time with them and making meaningful memories.
C. Spend time being productive: Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work heartily for the Lord, as our time and efforts are ultimately for His glory.
D. Spend time on mission: We are called to share the love of Christ with others and make disciples. We should prioritize serving others and sharing the gospel with those around us.
E. Spend time at rest: Rest is an essential part of a healthy and productive life. We should prioritize taking time to recharge and refresh ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.
F. Spend less time wasting time: In 1 Peter 4:2-5, we are reminded to avoid living for our own selfish desires and instead to live for the will of God. We should be intentional about how we spend our time, avoiding distractions and time-wasting activities that do not align with God's will for our lives.
In conclusion, our time is a precious gift from God, and we have a responsibility to use it wisely. Just as a tenant must abide by the terms of their lease agreement, we too must be mindful of our lease agreement with God, making the most of our time and living in a way that honors Him.