Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

It is so hard to imagine another year has come and gone. We often hear someone say something like, “Where did the time go?” As we age the years just seem to pass so quickly. It is imperative that we do not waste our time.

The Bible presents to us three parables in Matthew 25 warning us not to waste our opportunities in life, and that we are responsible to God for how we use our time.

The first parable tells the story of virgins awaiting the arrival of the wedding party. Some made ample preparation and others did not.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matt. 25:56). When they needed to be ready, some had to leave to buy more oil for their lamps, resulting in their missing the wedding.

The second parable deals with a rich man entrusting wealth to his servants. He granted them time to invest, work and earn for themselves and their Lord. All who tried found some measure of success, though not all the same.

The only one who failed lived in fear, tried nothing and lost everything. “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 23:30). The point is God has not given us all the same abilities nor opportunities, nor does He require the same level of success, but He does expect us to use our time, talents and gifts for His glory. We must not waste them and use them in inappropriate ways.

The final parable reveals the judgment people will face at the conclusion of life. Examples of the type of service the Lord is looking for from us are revealed. They include feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, clothing those in need and loving strangers, including those in prison. People who do not fill these roles in life are not using their gifts, talents and opportunities as God desires.

I read recently of a corporate CEO who, when presented with a major business challenge, decided not to respond in the usual manner. Instead of getting bigger, he challenged his people to get better.

It worked with grand success. Can you get better? Why not try this new year to just get better!