Overview:
Ecclesiastes 3:1–11; Ephesians 5:15–17
The beginning of a year is an ideal occasion to come to terms with how we utilize our time. With all these weeks and months stretching out in front of us, we have an excellent opportunity to focus on how well we handle our days. Looking back, most of us can recall saying the same words again and again: “I don’t have enough time.”
While we may repeat that statement with great sincerity, is it true? Stop and think: Is it really true that we don’t have “enough time” in our day? Could it be that our problem is not having enough time but making the most of the time we have?
Convicting though it may be, everyone has the same amount of time in his or her day . . . no matter his or her age, gender, social status, marital status, or education. We are all given the same number of hours. The crucial issue is not having enough time, but using it wisely and well. More often than not, we’ve formed the habit of putting off what needs to get done rather than following through on those things we need to accomplish.
Message Summary:
Message Key Facts:
- The Equal Deposit of Time: Every person receives 86,400 seconds (1,440 minutes) daily, which must be spent within that 24-hour period.
- Definition of Time: Swindoll defines time as either a moment or a duration in which events occur for which we are held accountable as a god-given stewardship.
- The Nature of Time: Time is described as rare (once spent, it is gone), irretrievable (there are no "instant replays" in life), and wrapped in eternity.
- The Trap of Procrastination: Procrastination is labeled a "thief" that encourages people to make excuses for avoiding difficult tasks, such as mending relational fences or addressing personal health.
- Stewardship of the Body: Swindoll specifically addresses obesity as an "acceptable sin" among Christians and argues that managing one’s weight and health is a matter of honoring the "Temple of the Holy Spirit".
- Four Steps to Conquer Procrastination:
- Set Priorities: Determine the most important tasks and address them first.
- Stop Excusing: Cease the creative rationalizations used to put things off.
- Stay Realistic: Avoid overreaching; start with small, manageable goals like losing one pound a week.
- Start Today: Begin the work immediately rather than waiting for a "better time".
Message References:
- Ephesians 5:15–17: The primary command to "redeem the time" and be careful how one lives—not as a fool, but as one who is wise.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1–11: A poetic reflection on the seasons of life, establishing that there is a time for every activity under heaven and that God has planted eternity in our hearts.
- Proverbs 6:6–11: An illustration of the ant, which works with intense diligence and self-discipline without needing a ruler to prod it.
- Acts 23–24: The cautionary tale of Governor Felix, who procrastinated on his decision to follow Christ and ultimately "died without him".
