Time Lost Is Never Found

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

Colossians 4:17, NIV

In Poor Richard’s Almanac, Benjamin Franklin advised, “If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time may be the greatest prodigality, since lost time is never found again. . . . Let us then be up and doing, and doing to the purpose; so by diligence shall we do more with less perplexity.”

Throughout eternity, God’s servants will serve Him. We’ll be worshiping around the throne in the new Jerusalem and enjoying our fellowship, work, and pursuits with endless joy. But here on earth, we have limited time to care for our families and fulfill our Father’s will.

Let’s spend time doing those things that convey God’s love to those around us. Christ had only thirty-three years, and in His active public ministry He had only forty-two months. But He made every moment count; and on the eve of His crucifixion He said, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4).

Let’s be diligent today to finish the work He’s assigned us this day.

What we must decide is how we are valuable rather than how valuable we are.

EDGAR Z. FRIEDENBERG