An Important Question for Busy Men

An Important Question for Busy Men

At this time of year, when we remember the Magi from the East, who offered their greatest treasures to Jesus, it is worth thinking about our greatest treasure. I believe that treasure for our generation is our time--the minutes and hours in our day—the days and years that make up our lives.

May I suggest that the single, most valuable investment of minutes that make up our lives is talking with God about how his Word applies to your everyday life. I believe there is a principle, modeled by Jesus, that concerns where we invest our time. Christ’s followers, are called to give to God the first fruits of ourtime, just as we give the first fruits of our labor to God in our tithe.  I believe that when I give God the first fruits of my time—however the details of this principle are worked out in my life—God makes the rest of my use of time more fruitful.

Here are just a few of the numerous biblical reasons for spending time with God in his Word.

  • In response to God’s mercy explained in Romans 1-11, we are to offer ourselves on the altar to God (12:1) as a living sacrifice, which leads directly to the command, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind 12:2a We offer God our best treasure—ourselves, our time and energy--to have our mind retrained by him.
  • The Word of God is so valuable that it is called “life itself.” “Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.
  • Men are created to be warriors. Christian men are called to follow Jesus in supplanting the rule of evil in our own lives and in this world. The primary weapon in this battle is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Eph. 6:18.
  • If we are to effectively respond to the world & life view of secular culture, and help our families do the same, we must be equipped to view the culture’s values through the lens of God’s Word. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ 2 Cor. 10:4-5.
  • It seems impossible to overstate the value of dwelling in God’s Word. The Psalmist says of the law, precepts, statutes, and commandments of the Lord, More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Ps. 19:10-11.
  • Because our sinful nature has darkened humans in our understanding (Eph 4:18), at times we tend to think logically to the wrong conclusion and not even realize it. There is a way that seemsright to a man, but its end is the way to death. Prov. 14:12. Note this verse is so important that it is stated word for word twice in Proverbs (Prov. 16:25, also).
  • Perhaps this darkened understanding about how life works is the reason that the wisdom of God in his Word is so precious. How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.  She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways. And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. Prov. 3:13-18.
  • For all relationships to grow deeper there must be speaking and listening. Reading God’s Word, interpreted by His Spirit working in our minds and consciences, is to hear God SPEAK. As we LISTEN to what he says and SPEAK back to him we are investing in the most important relationship in the universe—the depth of which we will enjoy throughout all of eternity.

The men who receive this letter are busy trying to honor Christ by doing good things. But sometimes those good things keep us from investing our time in the best things.