Time is money

I love that God places us in a family, a place where we can and should learn from one another in many different ways. Recently our young brother from Ghana who is studying in Aachen, Germany, had the sermon. He made a very clear point for us all to think about. It came from a passage that I had read many times before. That’s what I love so much about God’s word and His plan for His family. We continue learning.

When Joseph sold a piece of land and placed the profits at the feet of the apostles to be distributed among the needy in the church, he was showing the character that the Holy Spirit in him was creating – a character of encouragement. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas because of this (and other things – as we later come to see). And we all understand when we read this history that this is admirable and should be followed as an example in our lives.

But society at that time and in that area was largely agrarian. It was quite a sacrifice to sell a piece of land. And it made quite a difference to the people in the church. This is evident in the reaction of Ananias and Saphira. They wanted so much to emulate the action and get the same kind of praise that they were even willing to lie about what they were giving – even though they did not have to!

How many of us own land these days? There are still some. And of course there are people who are financially blessed and able to give money. But there is something we all possess that is actually quite valuable. Are we willing to share? Are we willing to sacrifice? We all know: “Time is money.” How much time am I willing to offer up for my brothers and sisters. I may not have anything to offer in financial help and what I could offer might not really help much at all. In fact, what I might offer could even bring problems for my brother or sister – because of the systems in our society.

But I have time. You have time. On what am I spending (or wasting) my time? Can I think about how my time – which is precious indeed – could be better used to help others? What a good challenge to consider. Yes – our possessions are also not our own and can and should be shared with those in need. But our time is also not our own and should be put to the best use: in our families, with our neighbors, with those in our communities, in the church.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20