Something just hit me this morning. From December 23-Jan. 3, I will not have any official work obligations, but will Jesus get the same number of extra hours as Springfield Public Schools? I plan on going to school 20-30 hours this week. Will God get 20-30 hours this week? I have a book that lists 500 "must read" books. These include biographies, travel logs, classic fiction, etc. My Christmas gift Barnes and Noble gift certificates are already designated to purchase some of the 500. However, what percentage of the B and N certificates are set aside for Christian books? Why does the temporary so easily outstrip the eternal when it comes to our time and money? Why does R-12 get the first fruit of my time, leaving my Lord and Savior with the leftovers?
Growing up a Southern Baptist, I grew up being taught Christians should give 10% of gross income to God. We were also encouraged to give a offering over and above that amount. What I don't remember being preached, taught or encouraged to do was to tithe 10% of our time. Let's see---ten percent of 1440 minutes in a day = 144 minutes = 2.4 hours = 2 hours 24 minutes a day. That is quite a lofty goal, but think of how powerful the Church could become if we worked to tithe 10% of our time as well as 10% of our money. How might one get that time in on the average work day?
144 minutes - 30 minutes of prayer and quiet time in the morning - 20 minutes of devotional reading at lunch = 94 minutes remaining for the evening. These evening minutes could be divided into prayer, Bible study, a devotional time with your spouse, reading a Christian-themed book, visiting a shut-in or other Christian outreach ministry, attending a prayer meeting, helping out with a volunteer project at church, preparing for teaching a Sunday school lesson, etc.
According to the A.C. Nielsen Co. the average American television is on 6 hours, 47 minutes each day. More than enough time to give God 144 minutes and still watch American Pickers.
What is easier, write a 10% check, or give 144 minutes each day? What would have a more powerful effect on a Christian's life a 10% check or 144 minutes each day?
Hmmm. . .
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