Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. (Philippians 4:11)
One thing I see as an area of improvement is to make the most of each moment. We often get caught up in looking back or planning ahead but yet find ourselves idle in the moment when in fact the present is all we really have. The past is gone and the future is very uncertain.
While looking back can be good because we can recall lessons learned or be reminded of past accomplishments that will help us face a current challenge (1 Samuel 17:34-36), we oftentimes can become too satisfied and get complacent. Paul, as highly accomplished as he was, by Inspiration instructed us to press on. He said in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. When we have a goal we have ambition and when we have ambition we have effort and endurance to see our goals come to fruition (Matt. 24:13).
Too much time looking ahead can become dangerous in that we may let a moment slip past us, thinking another time will be a better time (Acts 24:25). Opportunities before us in the present deserve our attention and effort. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest”. The old saying “he who hesitates, loses” carries a lot of wisdom.
While it is true we need time to rest, we need not to be idle. There is a difference. One definition is time spent doing nothing. What I keep finding out is how just a short amount of time doing something useful can have a huge impact on my wellbeing. For example, reading a chapter from the Bible will do my soul well but time spent in idleness makes me more inclined to do other pointless activities.
Making the most of each moment can be simple. Accepting the present time as the most important time (2 Cor. 6:2) and having the attitudes of being productive, kind and loving, will ensure I’m making each day count.
By Jason Barger