What’s In Your “Dash” of Life?

Recently, I was in contact with my high school graduating class of 1967. When I think back to those with whom I went to school what comes to mind is what have they done with their lives? What occupations did they pursue? How successful have they been? What did they accomplish? Every person has a “dash” between their date of birth and their date of death. It might be a literal one on a tombstone, or an imaginary one. Whether one lives a short or long life is not as important as what goes in the dash. Do we just exist in a daily routine of living or do we live with intention and purpose?

Ephesians 5:16 says “Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Time management is important to a lot of people. The average person is “busy” at work, pleasure, adventure, and at entertaining themselves. There is nothing wrong with that, but with all of this how much attention is being given to redeeming the time?

Christians, especially, have an obligation to make the best use of the time we have in this life, and make the most of every opportunity. There is much to do in building the Kingdom of God. Do what you can, where you are, with what you have, no matter how limited your resources and money might be, and then be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting as to how he can use your life as a ministry to others.

In Psalm 90:12 we read, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7). This means living godly lives in obedience to his will. God’s kind of wisdom will enable us to live above the daily routines of life as expressed in James 3:17. “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” You will be a cut above the world culture.

I have also wondered how successful have my fellow classmates been, by the secular definition of success, with money and material wealth. But what really matters is spiritual success – living with a God-given purpose, doing what God put us on earth to do. Will you finish your life strong with the words of Second Timothy 4:7? “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” May your “dash” read, “Accomplished God’s Objective.”

What are some things you can do to make better use of your time? What are some things you need to cut out that are not productive or serve no purpose? If you went to a high school graduating class reunion what qualities and accomplishments would your former classmates see in you that tells them you lived a life with intention and purpose, making good use of your time God has given you?