What Did You Do With 2009?
It is hard to believe that we are about to turn the page on another year. It seems only yesterday that we were welcoming the arrival of 2009, and yet we stand at the threshold of saying goodbye to 2009 and embracing 2010. A new year always brings with it a sense of opportunity and renewal. The approach of a new year should also cause us to reflect back upon the past year that God has granted unto us. How did we use 2009?
Did you use it wantonly? Sadly, some chose to use the time that God blessed us with simply to pursue selfish pleasures and interests. Many who feign righteous lives are so busy in the pursuit of worldly pleasures that they have little to no time for godliness. It must be remembered that those who “live to live it up” are really “dead while [they] live” (1 Tim.5:6). In 2009, many traded the precious commodity of time (which cannot be regained) for the folly of sin and the momentary pleasures it brings (Heb.11:25). Multitudes exchanged their eternal souls for a few more dollars, a trifle more play-time, a frivolous foray into infidelity and licentiousness. Families are suffering, and congregations are being weakened because of the worldly, wanton attitudes of some who claim to be followers of the Lord. As you reflect on 2009, did you spend your time in pursuit of pleasure? If so, what do you have to show for it now? What has it gotten you?
Did you use it wastefully? Some may not have squandered their time in pursuit of sinful pleasures, but may have wasted their God -given time nonetheless. Perhaps you had every intention of being more faithful to attend services, or studying the Bible more, or spending more time in prayer, or seeking to become a better encourager, but for all of your good intentions, you find that you accomplished none of your plans. Satan will see to it that there is always an obstacle in our path to greater maturity in Christ. Did you grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord this year (2 Pet.3:18)? Did you draw near to God in full assurance of faith through prayer (Heb.10:23)? Did you help bear the burdens of a brother or sister and encourage them along the way (Gal.6:2)? Did you provoke your brethren unto love and good works by being present at every assembly possible (Heb.10:24-25)? Did you intend to do all of these good things and more? Likely there was always something important that came up that prevented you from giving your time to that which is more important. As you reflect on 2009, did you waste your opportunities to grow closer to the Lord? Did you flitter the time away you could have spent with family and with brethren? If so, what do you have to show for it?
Did you use it wisely? Perhaps you achieved your personal goals, your family goals, and your spiritual goals. We are encouraged in Scripture to “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph.5:15-16). It is our wisdom to know God’s will for our lives (Eph.5:17). Every passing day brings us one day closer to the grave and to eternity. This sober reminder should help us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psa.90:10-12). Time is a precious gift that God entrusts into our care. As stewards of time, as well as every other blessing God has granted us (1 Cor.4:2), we will answer to Him in the judgment as to how we have used our time. Let us use the time that God has given us to glorify Him, and to lead others to Him. Perhaps 2009 was a year of wasted opportunities for you. Let’s resolve together to make 2010 a year of growth in service to our Lord!
-Patrick Morrison
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