"You know its time for a new car when the traffic reporters begin referring to you by name when discussing morning tie-ups, when the gas station attendant asks, “Can I re-duct-tape that windshield for you?” and when you stop at a light and people rush up asking, was anyone hurt?”
Well outdated equipment may not only be an inconvenience, but also a waste of time. We certainly don’t want to follow fads and chase after the whistles and bells, but on those key pieces of equipment which we need to produce, like office equipment, tools and work vehicles, getting an update can mean getting more done. If you are wasting too much time with old tools, remember God puts a premium on your time as well as your money. And getting the right tools can save you both time and money in the long run.
Investing in the right tools is a good way to redeem the time.
"
"I once served as a missionary in a country where it was the custom of most businesses to close for the lunch hour. As an American this took some getting used to for me, as even banks and large department stores would suddenly close in the middle of the day. But what really created culture shock was one day when I went by a little restaurant only to find the familiar “Closed for lunch” sign.
I’m not judging whether that cultural difference was right or wrong. But I have seen a lot of people who were “out to lunch” when they should have been taking care of their business. Proverbs 27:23 says “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Everything we accomplish in life, at home or work, requires continual management in order to succeed.
What task has God specifically given you to accomplish today? Don’t let Him find you “out to lunch” when you should be redeeming the time.
"
"One of the dangers of doing a project that really shouldn’t be done is that once started, projects tend to take on a life of their own. Someone observed that the mere regularity of an activity gradually gives it the quality of “oughtness.”
By that he meant, after a while people will feel they ought to do something simply because they’ve always done it. People begin to say, “We ought not to let this thing die. We’ve been doing it such a long time.” It’s one of the reasons for ever expanding government and taxation. Its also the only reason why many organizations and publications that never should have been started in the first place continue on.
Even in our churches, time is often wasted with rituals that long ago lost their meaning, but are continued because of “oughtness.”
Thoughtfully evaluating how God wants you to use your time and avoiding the “oughts” trap will help redeem the time.
"
"Oswald Chambers, who is remembered for his classic book, “My Utmost for His Highest,” once said “God can use one person who has been totally transformed by God more than 100 who have simply been touched.”
That’s a very accurate observation. One person with a commitment, in any endeavor, can accomplish more than 100 with a passing interest. People with an interest will never make the sacrifices needed to see a project through difficult places. They like being on board when things are going well, and the crowds, fun and excitement are at a peak. But when adversity comes, and God allows a time of testing, the masses become like the seed planted in shallow ground.
Remember, it is while you are in the valley that you will grow the food you’ll eat on the mountaintop. That why God is looking for solid people who, whether in the valley or on the mountaintop, will be just as committed to redeeming the time.
"