The ancient Hebrew culture had an effective time management system. All of life was considered an act of worship. The day was divided into three 8 hour periods-- 8 hours of rest, 8 hours of work, and 8 hours of fellowship.

The Lord was to be honored in all of these. Of particular note is that leisure time focused on edifying fellowship with friends and family.

Notice that much of these non-working waking hours were given to creatively teaching children. The Lord commanded His people to fully utilize the teachable moments in life. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on (lit. 'sharpen them to') your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV).

Husbands can do this with their wives; singles with their friends and family; parents with their children. Have we sufficiently internalized God's Word to the degree that we can effectively edify the souls of others? Do we take the necessary time to 'sharpen' Scriptural truths so they are able to penetrate the heart's understanding and people can see their relevance and how to apply them? Do we take time to talk about them when we sit down with family and friends and walk along the road; as we prepare for work and prepare for sleep?

Our society will suffer because it has allowed the media to 'disciple' our children. This sacred charge of impressing truth on the hearts of a new generation has been given to parents. As the school year begins our lives fill with complex scheduling and an abundance of activity. Our own lives can be cumbered about with all sorts of 'busyness' that will not contribute to anyone's spiritual growth. Children will waste hours in various activities and before TV screens where eternal truths will never enter their souls.

I can hear the words of Jesus speaking to our generation: "You are busy with so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for the one who sits at my feet to heed my Word has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from them." (Luke 10:42).

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NASB).

Take time to let the Spirit impress the Word upon your heart so that the image of God becomes more fully formed within. Meditate upon its relevance and life applications that you might be ready for those 'teachable moments' where you can impart to others that which cannot be taken away.

In the school of Christ,