Investing In Eternity

To "invest" something means simply to place it somewhere more permanent. We usually think of investing with regard to money. Indeed our Lord expects us to give generously for "It is more blessed to give than to receive," (Acts 20:35). But there is something else I would like to consider today with regard to investing: it is our time.

Time is precious, it is the stuff of life, and it is limited. The Psalmist proclaimed, "Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor," (Ps. 39:5) and Moses said, "So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom," (Ps. 90:12). Paul likewise wrote, "See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil," (Eph. 5:15,16). The question to consider is this: How can I best use my time to the glory of God? This is a personal question and some answers will be different for different people because of their abilities and opportunities. But there are a couple of things that every one of us can do.

Come early for Bible classes and worship services

One thing that stands out in Saline is that almost everyone shows up at the last minute and some are generally 5 minutes late. This is not an occasional thing, but is consistent. I myself am guilty of this and am determined to be 15-20 minutes early for services from now on. You're probably thinking, "What difference does it make?" It makes a big difference for several reasons.

First and foremost, when we show up late or at the last minute it is a reflection of our priorities. Do you show up late for work? What about for a doctors appointment? Do our students show up late for their classes? Would you rush in at the last minute for a job interview? In any of these areas of life, punctuality is important. What about the God of heaven? He is to be first and foremost in our lives, (Matt. 6:33; Col. 1:18). How about our influence on our children or the impression we make towards our visitors? Are we making the impression that church services are less important that everything else in our lives?

Secondly, it is a reflection of our desire. We tend to put off things that we don't really want to do. This may sound a little harsh, but it is true. When we are last minute it's like we don't want to assemble with the saints for fellowship, (Acts 2:42). Also, those who rush out early need to consider their motives, (2 Cor. 13:5). Now sometimes one has to be late or leave early because of work obligations, these are to be commended for the good effort made to be present. But to the rest, it is very discouraging both to the congregation and to visitors to see this behavior.

Finally, the last minute rush is a hindrance to good works. Our Bible classes are generally five minutes late in starting because people are coming in, talking in the foyer, getting kids to class, and such. This limits class time (because it still ends on time) and limits the amount of material that can be covered. Coming in at the last minute for worship has those responsible for scheduling men to serve wondering if your going to show up or if they need to find someone else to replace you.

I want to ask you to be 15 to 20 minutes early for services. This will give you opportunity to meet visitors and to have fellowship with the saints before services. It will also give you time to relax and be ready spiritually for the service, (Jn. 4:24). I want to emphasize especially to our Bible class teachers that you show up 25 to 30 minutes early for class. This will provide opportunity to review your lesson before you teach it and will allow parents time to leave their child and still make it to the adult class early or at least on time.

Observe the five minute rule after services

What is the "five minute rule"? Here it is: FIVE MINUTES - that is all it takes to make a positive or negative impression on guests to our worship services. Those first impressions often determine if guests will return. Because those first five minutes are so important, we want to do everything we can to make sure our guests are sought out, greeted and made to feel welcome.

This is the most important thing we can do to be seen as a warm and friendly congregation. Will you invest five minutes in eternity? (Curt Gunz, Reach Out, pp 45,46)