"No fear! That’s a popular slogan today. But is it really wise to have no fear? If you walk a tightrope over Niagra Falls some fear would be helpful to keep you alert. Scripture says we’re to fear God. If you’re not saved, you should fear God’s judgement enough to get saved.
There’s another fear every Christian needs. That is the fear of mediocrity. Our word mediocre comes from the Latin medius, which gives us two other words, “medium” meaning not too hot, not too cold, and median, which sits in the middle of the road.
Medium strength, middle of the road, Christians are mediocre because they use their time in mediocre ways. They don’t attempt things out of the ordinary. They won’t leave the comfort zone. They are not willing to take the risks, develop the discipline, and make the commitments necessary to rise above mediocrity.
The prospect of such a life should make us fear. Jesus said he would spew the lukewarm from his mouth. Let the fear of being mediocre be a powerful motivation to you right now to redeem the time.
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"Could it ever be redeeming the time to take a nap? The answer is yes!
Many people find that by taking a quick nap in the afternoon they can get by with less sleep at night. If for example you normally sleep eight hours each night, try experimenting with seven hours at night and a fifteen minute nap in the afternoon. You might find your body responds well to this sleep pattern and you’ll create another 45 minutes each day to invest in time with God, your family, or others who need your time.
Napping can also make you fresher and more alert in the afternoon. That allows you to think creatively and be more productive. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, learned to nap while his horse carried him to his next meeting. I wouldn’t suggest you try that while driving to your next meeting, but a quick nap at your home or office might be a good way to redeem the time.
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"Charles Sheldon in the book “In His Steps” pioneered the now popular phrase, “What would Jesus do?” Sheldon would probably not have considered himself a time management expert. But he articulated the key principle of Biblical time management.
How we spend a day, is the result many small decisions all day long which combine make up our day. As we approach the point of each new decision, learning to apply the question, “What would Jesus do?” will guide us into how we need to use each new block of time. After a whole day of consistently asking this question and applying this principle, we can look back with satisfaction on a day well spent.
What decisions are you facing in the next three hours? Ask yourself the question “What would Jesus do?” The answer will tell you what you need to do to redeem the time.
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"A sales manager brought a new salesman to an out of town convention. When the new employee didn’t show up for his first meeting, the manager called his hotel room to see what was wrong. The newcomer explained he couldn’t get out of his room. “Why can’t you get out of your room?” The boss asked. He replied, “There’s only three doors in here. One is a closet, one is the bathroom and the third one says do not disturb.”
From time to time we all get trapped in situations we wish we could get out of. Sometimes though, the best we can do, is to redeem the time wherever we are. You can stay prepared to do that by keeping a notepad with you at all times. When you find yourself caught in a situation where you have to wait on someone or in a meeting that is mandatory but meaningless, the best thing to do might be writing. You can write your pastor or a missionary, write a grocery list, write your month’s goals or write an entry for your journal.
Writing produces something tangible to take home. It focuses our attention and crystalizes our thoughts. Writing helps us redeem the time.
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