"An executive was interviewing a recent college grad for a position in his office. In an attempt to find out more about his personality, he asked ""If you could have a conversation with someone, living or dead, who would it be?""
""Duh ..."" the applicant quickly responded, ""with the living one I guess.""
That young man missed the point. But the fact is we can learn a lot by studying the lives of those who have gone before us. Great Christian men and women of the past all have something in common. They used their time in meaningful ways.
Reading the biographies of great Christians can give us insight and motivation to use our time in significant ways as well.
Scripture says, he that walketh with wise men shall be wise. Taking time to read about the heroes of our faith is a great way to redeem the time.
"
"Think a gallon of gas is expensive these days? It matters what you compare it to.
If you bought it by the gallon ranch dressing would cost $31
Maple syrup $57
Nyquil $97
Starbucks Expresso $112
Suntan lotion $135
Dandruff Shampoo $168
Chanel #5 perfume $33,280
The price of these items doesn’t normally seem so overwhelming because we buy them in smaller quantities. Whenever you break something big into smaller pieces it becomes easier to handle.
Chances are, you have a big project in front of you right now. Maybe you’ve been procrastinating on it because it seems overwhelming. Just remember, you don’t have to swallow it by the gallon. Start with an ounce today. You might not win your whole community to Christ this year, but you can drop a tract in a phone booth on your way home from work today. Pounce on the ounce if you want to redeem the time.
"
"Have you ever wondered why the New Testament begins with a lengthy genealogy? If you or I were writing it we would no doubt start if off with an attention grabbing story, an interesting sound bite or at least a parable. But fortunately you or I didn’t write the Bible. God did. And He wrote it perfectly.
God provided this exhaustive list of Jesus' ancestors to demonstrate His long range plan to save the human race. The genealogies record how God carefully prepared many people over many centuries to bring about the promised Messiah.
The point is, God's plans are long range plans. And the principle of long term planning, is a key principle to understand for those who wish to be their best for the Lord. Looking beyond the immediate and beginning with the end in mind, helps us to see as God sees. It gives us the frame of reference we need to redeem the time.
"
"Years ago the Salvation Army magazine featured a picture of a boat in a stormy sea. Around the boat were men and women hopelessly lost and perishing in the sea. In the boat was Salvation Army founder General William Booth reaching out his hands to the people.
When General Booth's little grandson saw at the picture he asked, ""Mama, what's grandpa doing? Is he shaking hands with them or saving them?""
All around you, right this moment are people who are hopelessly lost and perishing. Does that fact have any effect on the way you will spend your time today? Will you simply shake hands and be pleasant? Or will you take the time to go deeper than that? Will you take the time to let a coworker know you care about their problem. Will you sit with someone different at lunch today and ask them if they have any interest in spiritual things?
Our purpose is not just to shake hands but to rescue the perishing and redeem the time.
"