Same TIME Part I ~ It's What You Do With It

There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity
Under the heavens…
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Often times when we hear the word “tithes” we think of money yet the concept of returning a portion of the Lord’s provision back to Him can’t be boxed in. An area many struggle with and one to which we owe God some return is our TIME.

How are you at managing your time? Is there a constant rush in your step or a gentle shuffle? Is each day planned out from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes again? Do you allow for life’s unexpected additions? More importantly, do you know WHO blessed you with the time you have each day?

My Gram was the first remind us, “You have the same amount of time as everyone else, and it is what you do with it.” Regardless of our career, health, or lack of thereof – God has blessed each person with the same 1,440 minutes or twenty-four hours in a day and the same 168 hours in a week. If God is responsible for this gift of time then the least we can do is tithe time back to Him. This works out to a little over two hours in our day. Two hours and twenty-four minutes devoted, designated, and set aside for your Heavenly Father.

On average I am awake an average of seventeen hours a day so isn’t it okay to only tithe my waking hours? Personally, I say no. God blesses me with breath while I sleep so these minutes are just as precious since without them, I wouldn’t be alive. Did I hear you say, “How can I possibly squeeze one more singular minute into my day? Get a grip Lisa, I don’t even have time to sit down more less give time back to the God responsible for the air in my lungs, food in my cupboards, and fuel in my gas tank!” Was that an “Ouch!” I just heard? I hope so.

It is easy to let life and its schedules overcome us. My challenge to you as we start the week is to carve time out of your busy life for God, Himself. He formed you and knew you, before even your mother. I understand we each have family, work, and personal obligations to fulfill BUT none of these would be possible without God’s love and provision in our lives. The least we can do is purpose some time out of thanks and gratitude.

Where will you find two hours and twenty-four minutes today to tithe some time back to your Heavenly Father? Have you ever wondered “Where did the time go today?”

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Monday’s challenge:
1)  List the people, places, and things occupying your time.

2) Once you have them listed, rank them. Where did God place on your list?

3) Determine ways to incorporate a tithe to God in your schedule. For some this will be a block of time as their day begins or ends. Others might sprinkle it throughout the day. It is your 2.24 hours to give back to God. I encourage you to start in The Word and then let your creative gifting lead you in unique and glorifying ways.

Had you thought to tithe your time before today? Using your unique God-given gifts, how can you give some time back to God while also sharing Him with others? How will you spend your 2.24 hours today?