The Source of every second

Our church begins a new series in Colossians this weekend. We’re calling it "The Source ." As in Jesus is the source of everything. The whole letter of Colossians shouts forth descriptions of His infinite worth. All things are from and through and by Him. Indeed, all things exist for Him. (Col. 1:15-17)

He is of course, the source of time, though He lives outside it. He did step into our world, the fulness of God dwelling in bodily form (Col. 1:19). Which got me thinking about the New Year, and how this one-second holiday leads to 31,535,999 more seconds full of opportunity after it — in 2009.

Every. Second. Counts.

Then one of Edwards’ resolutions comes to mind. Number five is:

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

Which leads me back to God and the Scriptures. In the final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he exhorts them to:

" Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Col. 4:5-6)

Knowing how to answer everyone as we "ought," echoes back a few verses — to prayer and thanksgiving:

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." (Col. 4:2-4)

Two descriptions of one type of person: a praying and thankful person. Have you noticed that thankful (and joyful) people are quite attractive to others. People are magnetically drawn to speak with joyful people who speak in thankful tones, and see hope in every circumstance.

Praying and thankful people also see God as the Source of everything. The source of every second. And this reality leads them to pray, seeking Him, with enjoyment, for prayer is not a duty when you delight in God. He takes great pleasure in our asking. Plus, thankful people don’t spend most of their time in prayer simply asking. They are more content to utter praise and thanks, which then leads to asking the One we adore to do more, so we can praise and thank Him.

Paul writes about the same in a parallel letter:

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Eph. 5:15-16)

Since our good God is the Source of all things, and Jesus came to purchase us the opportunity to live God-centered lives in 2009, let’s resolve to allow Him to be the Source and Object of every second this year. He’s worthy.