“Nothing is worth more than this day” (Goethe). Yesterday is past and tomorrow is yet to be. That is why today is so very important. Will today make a difference? Or are we merely content to pass the time and turn the page on another day?
The psalmist reminds us that “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Those who rejoice in yesterday live in the past and cannot be productive in the present. Others live in the future and need to be reminded that the future is only bright so long as we practice good stewardship with what God has given us today.
The apostle Paul tells us to make “the most of the opportunity” (Colossians 4:5). A similar admonition is found in Ephesians five where Paul writes: “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (vss. 15-16). But how?
The answer to that question is determined by our values. If what we hold to be precious is sensual gratification, then we will “grab for all the gusto” this life has to offer. If value is measured by what we own, then we will travel the path toward materialism. And, if our sense of worth is dependent on what others think about us, then we will pursue popularity and power. But, none of these standards will stand the test of time. Nor, will the pursuit of such make any lasting difference in this life. John describes these things as “passing away” (1 Jn. 2:15-17). If we would use our time wisely, we must not neglect matters which relate to eternity. “The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it” (William James). Jesus asks, “What will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
“Nothing is worth more than this day.” How will we use it? Let’s use it to draw closer to Jesus and one another.
— Glen Elliott —