by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

If you value your time, you understand that the wisest way to spend it is on eternity.

Daniel Webster was a highly influential man in America during the expansion years before the Civil War. As an attorney, Webster provided legal counsel to the government, most notably in several cases that established constitutional precedents that strengthened the US government. As a representative from Massachusetts, Webster became a famous orator and leader of the Whig party. As a senator, he became a member of the "Great Triumvirate," a group of three senators who were known for their skill in the Senate. And as Secretary of State, Webster made great progress for the United States around the world. He pushed hard for peace between the North and South, and did his best to bring both sides together.

Yet despite the successes Webster enjoyed over his thirty years in public office, he realized the futility of his actions apart from the blessings of God. A strong Christian man, Webster once wrote the following:

"If we work on marble it will perish. If we work on brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work on men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with just fear of God and love of their fellow-men, we engrave on those tablets something which time cannot efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity."

When we read Matthew 6:19-21, we primarily think of giving, yet let's apply this verse to all of our treasures. What do you treasure? Think about that question. Think of all the things you value, or hold dear. Perhaps it's money, a certain possession, a family heirloom, a gadget, your time, a friendship, or some possession.

One thing most everyone values is time. Someone has said that time is the ultimate gift because it's priceless and none of us can gain more time through work or payment. We value our time, and often understand how precious it is to grab a moment of someone's time, especially if they're a busy person.

God wants us to use all our treasures to His glory, for the advancement of His kingdom, including our time. How much of your time do you give to God? Many Christians in our nation give one to two hours to God each Sunday, some may even attend services three times a week, yet God wants more than a few hours of our time.

If we counted up all the hours the average Christian spent serving God, spending time with God, and telling others about Him, I doubt it would even dent the amount of time Jesus spent for us on earth. God has given us so much, and in return He simply asks for our treasure-our time spent serving Him.

If you value your time, you understand that the wisest way to spend it is on eternity. The way to do so is by faithfully serving God each day. Are you giving God your time? If not, get involved. Actively serve God in your church, your community, and your home. Remember that time spent on earthly matters won't matter at the end of your life, but you'll be glad you spent time serving God.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 100-102 | 1 Corinthians 1