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Message from Pastor Larry – April 2008
Dear Saints:
I'm still reeling from Lent and Easter. It arrived so early this year, it seems as if it came and went before I could really get focused. Well, that's the way it is sometimes in the church, and it's the way life is sometimes, too (if you know what I mean!). Sometimes life can pass us by before we realize what is happening.
When we’re young the years go slowly by and we wonder when (if ever!) our next birthday will roll around. Then one day, totally unexpected, we wake up one morning and rub our eyes in disbelief at how quickly the years have passed.
As I write this article I’m sitting at my computer looking at a photograph of our family. How did I ever end up with such a beautiful wife and girls? God is so-o-o-o-o-o good! How grateful I am, too, to be here at St. Matthew with all of you. Yes, God is good. But time flashes by, and we don't want it to get away from us; we want to make it count. One of our members asked me the other day how old Graceanne is, and when I told her she soon will be five she was surprised. Where does the time go?
As a husband and father I want to take advantage of the time I have with my family, since one never knows how much time we have left with them. I want to make a positive and lasting impression on their lives while I still have the chance. Then, also, as Christians we understand that every day is a gift, and that our days on this earth are limited. One day we'll die, or Jesus will return, and we'll have used our time wisely—or not. That’s a sobering thought, isn't it?
I've been reading recently in Paul's letter to the Colossians and have been captivated by some things he has written—each of them very important when I consider the time I've been given, and the responsibility I have to use it well.
"Husbands," he says, "love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.... Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.... Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.... Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside [the household of faith], redeeming the time." And, finally, "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (3:19, 21; 4:2, 5; 3:17, NKJV).
He includes instructions for children, and wives too—which are less well received these days—but that's not my concern in this article. You women and children will have to work through those verses yourselves!
The question is: How will we use the time God has given to us? It blows by so fast! Will we squander it? Or, will we redeem it? Easter Sunday is past. Christ is risen. The kingdom is at hand. How much time we've been given, only heaven knows. So, let us make the best use of it, redeeming it—all to the glory of God.
Faithfully,
Pastor Larry
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