by John Serritos
We can use the time God has given us to glorify Him.
In the Book of Numbers we see that Joshua and Caleb’s use of their time, dedication and faith were honored by God and brought glory to Himself. Joshua and Caleb trusted in God and put Him first even when the popular consensus of the Israelites was that Canaan was unconquerable. And to think that God had just shown His power as He miraculously freed them from slavery in Egypt. Out of the twelve spies, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who believed that following God was the best option even when an easier choice was presented to them. They were later (40 years later) rewarded by being allowed to enter the Promised Land. Both Caleb and Joshua also brought God glory in the military conquests that followed their exodus from Egypt.
God uses the situations in our lives for his glory too. Something as simple as skipping a friend’s party for the purpose of attending a church function such as Awana or a Bible study can have a ripple affect. Skipping the party at your friend’s house and coming to Awana instead, for example, can put you in a position to be a servant and teach God’s Word to children that may never hear the Gospel message anywhere else. By prioritizing an opportunity to serve God through Awana, one can potentially lead a child to Christ, resulting in his salvation.
Putting God’s work first before “fun” activities can also be a great witnessing tool to unsaved friends. Your friend may see the model you are setting of turning away from secular activities and putting the things of God first on your list of priorities. The example you show them through your actions and godly time management may be what they need to turn away from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ. God will honor your commitment to Him. In addition, God may also be testing you and the reward may be seeing the salvation of your loved one because of your example. When faced with these choices, what do you think will yield eternal rewards?
