Handing Over Our Time

by | Sep 24, 2015 | James

James 4:13-17

A single week consists of 168 hours also known as 7 groups of 24 hours, or 1,440 minutes grouped 7 times, or 168 groupings of 60 minutes. Okay, you get the point. From any angle we take, our time adds up the same. No matter the demographic we were born into, street we were raised on, or title we’ve received – everyone gets the same hours. You can’t borrow from day to day, pause, fast forward or rewind.

 

Beep… Beeep… Beeeep – it’s your 5:30 AM alarm. Hit snooze twice. Stumble out of bed. Pull together gym clothes. Squeeze in a short but effective workout. Race home. Get ready quicker than a pit crew on race day. Rush out the door. Speed through the never-ending Starbucks line for that coveted cold brew. Stumble into the office. Pour coffee number two. Put in the sufficient amount of office hours. Stop by the bank. Pick up groceries. Dodge traffic. Meet a friend for dinner. Head home. Fall into bed. Dose off to the sitcom of the night. Wash, rinse, repeat.

 

The average American lives without space. The space to think, to breathe, to rest – it is nonexistent. Schedules are jam packed, rushed, filled and just plain maxed out. When rest is mentioned, we think “ain’t no body got time for that” and keep on moving.

 

A schedule without space presents a lifestyle of control, one that hints at even arrogance as we operate to take hold of every last minute for our own gain. If we continue down this path we are headed towards exhaustion, burn out and dissatisfaction. James confronts this pattern as he writes that we should be approaching our time by saying “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” To operate as God intended us to we must humbly hand over our time.

 

Without God, our time is ephemeral. The establishment of a relationship with God and acceptance of his eternal plan for us gives time value and significance. To approach your schedule with a heart postured towards humility is to prayerfully consider what God has for you. Seek him. Draw near to him. Rest in his presence. God is the only one who can sustain us.

 

Humility dispels our self-sufficient bents, demolishes arrogance in achievements, and ultimately lays down our plans in exchange for that of our Creator. The hours of the day in our hands pale in comparison to hours that are guided by his hands. When we walk in humility, we will walk a path that is beyond what we could even dream.

 

Humility

by | Sep 4, 2015 | James

James 1: 9-11

Like a flower withers in the rays of the scorching summer sun, so is the fate of the rich as they go about their business.  When we spend our time striving, it is as if thriving is our eternal goal and surviving is a mere means to an end. And yet it is opposite in the kingdom: success is fleeting. James teaches us that humility is worth pursuing, as riches hold no eternal value.

Humility isn’t worthlessness; it isn’t defined by burying yourself in the pits. Humility isn’t being a doormat for walkers to rub their feet on and its not abdicating your monetary worth as a means to success.

Humility is a state of your heart; it is a perspective. The perspective to say everything is a result of God. Humility grasps the reality of the need for a Savior and moves forward in thankfulness that empowers others to see the beauty in Our Creator.

Living with a humble heart is the foundation of a godly life.  To live in humility is to reveal the character of God. We must house the perspective to accept that a humble life is a life that embraces less of me and more of Him. A life that says its not about me, its all about Christ.

Sure, humility may mean picking up trash in the school parking lot or thanking God as you accept a sales award on the main stage. But these outward actions are not of as much concern as the true state of the heart that they are made with is. Are you doing what you do to show others that you are humble? That’s false humility and that’s a detriment to society.

True humility comes from a desire to serve God wholly. True humility cares only for the glorification of God. True humility is keeping the main thing the main thing, no hidden backdoors or agendas.

When we come to the table with a humble heart, we can come with boldness in assurance, as we rely on God not our own abilities. When we are humble God can influence, impact and change the very world around us.