Required reading
Miscellaneous Discourses in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'The preciousness of time'.
My summary
Today's text is 'Redeeming the time' (Ephesians 5:16).
Edwards gives:
(i) reasons why time is precious;
(ii) reflections on time past;
(iii) who is chiefly deserving of reproof from the subject of the preciousness of time;
(iv) an exhortation to improve time;
(v) advice respecting the improvement of time.
What grabbed me
I always like considering the preciousness of time, including this reason: 'Because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill improvement of it. Things are precious in proportion to their importance, or to the degree wherein they concern our welfare. Men are wont to set the highest value on those things upon which they are sensible their interest chiefly depends. And this renders time so exceedingly precious, because our eternal welfare depends on the improvement of it.—Indeed our welfare in this world depends upon its improvement. If we improve it not, we shall be in danger of coming to poverty and disgrace; but by a good improvement of it, we may obtain those things which will be useful and comfortable. But it is above all things precious, as our state through eternity depends upon it. The importance of the improvement of time upon other accounts, is in subordination to this.'
Eternity depends upon how we use our time here.
Next week's reading
Read 'Procrastination'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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