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We are to Use Our Time Wisely, September 29
Be ... not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Romans 12:10, 11
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The talent of time is precious. Every day it is given to us in trust, and we shall
be called upon to give an account of it to God. It is to be used to God’s glory, and
if we would prolong our lives, if we would gain the life that measures with the life
of God, we must give the mind pure food. No time should be wasted that might
have been used to good account.
Jesus Christ is our spiritual touchstone. He reveals the Father. Nothing should
be given as food to the brain that will bring before the mind any mist or cloud in
regard to the Word of God. No careless inattention should be shown in regard to
the cultivation of the soil of the heart.—
Manuscript 15, 1898
.
Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring
knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be pre-
vented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the
moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be
frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the
time spent in traveling on the trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station;
the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping
an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were
improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A
resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time will enable men
to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost
any position of influence and usefulness.
It is the duty of every Christian to acquire habits of order, thoroughness, and
dispatch.... Decide how long a time is required for a given task, and then bend
every effort toward accomplishing the work in the given time. The exercise of the
willpower will make the hands move deftly.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 343 344
.
It is wrong to waste our time, wrong to waste our thoughts. We lose every
moment that we devote to self-seeking. If every moment were valued and rightly
employed, we should have time for everything that we need to do for ourselves
or for the world. In the expenditure of money, in the use of time, strength,
opportunities, let every Christian look to God for guidance.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 208
.
God grants men the gift of time for the purpose of promoting His glory.—
Counsels to Parents and Teachers, 354
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