But he answered one of them and
said, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a
denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man
the same as to you." Matthew 20:13, 14, NKJV.
God has graciously entrusted us
with twenty-four hours in each day and night. This is a precious treasure by
which much good can be accomplished. How are we using God's golden
opportunities? We must, as Christians, set the Lord always before us, if we
would not lose precious hours in uselessness, and have nothing to show for our
time.
Time is money. If people refuse to work
because they cannot obtain the highest wages, they are pronounced idlers. Far
better would it be for them to work, even if they receive much less than they
suppose their labors are worth.
Time is a talent committed to our trust
that may be shamefully misused. Every child of God, man, woman, youth or child,
should consider and appreciate the value of the moments of time. If they do
this, they will keep themselves employed, even if they do not receive as high
wages as they have been able to command. They should show their appreciation of
diligence, and work, receiving what wages they can get. The idea of a poor
person with a family refusing to work for moderate wages, because it is not
showing, as he or she supposes, sufficient dignity for their trade, is folly
that is not to be encouraged.
How little thought has been bestowed upon
this subject. How much greater prosperity might have attended the missionary
enterprises if this talent of time had been thoughtfully considered and
faithfully used. We are each one answerable to God for the time that has been
wantonly thrown away, and for the use of which we must give an account to God.
This is a stewardship that has been but little appreciated; many think it not
sin to waste hours and days in doing nothing to benefit themselves or to bless
others.--Manuscript Releases 6:80, 81.
