Reach • Devotion #6: 525,960
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6
“Indeed” posted an interesting article, “100 High-Paying Careers To Consider (With Average Salaries).” I found the list interesting. The top 13 were all in the medical field headed by cardiologists making an average of $351,827 per year. Vice presidents are at $151,358 per year. Software architects average $139,127 per year. Pharmacy managers average $112,546. Midwives make $103,311. Attorneys average $89,487, while judges average $83,715 (that seemed a little backward). Salaries can be all over the spectrum and I did not even touch professional athletes or entertainers.
Although salaries vary, we all receive the same number of minutes each year – 525,960. No one can buy any more. The key is how we spend them. Colossians 4:5 puts out a strong challenge, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” It is important to God how we use our money, but it is equally important to how we spend our time. It is limited and you cannot bank it away for the future. Paul is very straightforward that how we spend our time is important as a witness “toward outsiders.” Jesus could come at any time, they may not have long to live, and our days are numbered so we need to make the most of the time.
David Jeremiah says it well, “You may not be able to predict the time of a tornado, earthquake, or the Lord’s return. But you can know for a fact that He is coming back. Work today to share the escape route of God’s grace with others, before the night cometh.” I love the imagery of an “escape route.” We need to constantly remember the destiny of lost family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They need to be rescued by Christ and we can be part of the rescue team.
The mission of the church (Matthew 28:19-20) includes Reach, Gather, and Grow. Our growth is an integral part of reaching others with the Gospel. We need to study the Word so we are prepared to speak with an unbeliever. In Colossians 5:6, Paul says studying the Word is important “so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”