A Little Time James 4:14 I. Introduction. A. One commodity that each person posseses: time. 1. Have you heard someone say, "I do not have time for that...?" 2. What really is said: "I will not take time for that." 3. In reality, there are activities that we need to give our time; there are others that should never have one's time. 4. Always remember: James 4:14. B. Solomon said: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. 1. It does take time to do those activities mentioned. 2. What I value most will determine how I use (spend?) my time. 3. A question: Ecclesiastes 3:9. 4. Hence: Ecclesiastes 3:17b. 5. Also remember: Ecclesiastes 9:11. C. There is a hierarchy that one establishes for life. 1. What is most important at the moment takes precedence. 2. One must learn to discern and choose where and how one's time is to be spent. 3. It is wise to ask: Does this deserve my time and effort, at least to the degree I devote? II. Body. A. Jesus established the priority for His disciples: Matthew 6:33. 1. While one will not spend all of one's time at services, attending meetings, studying the Bible, etc.,--should be foremost in one's mind. 2. In fact, all activities(and time spent) will be weighed by this principle. 3. Too many are religious for a short time(services) but neglect the principles of righteousness at all other times. 4. This priority determines how one will devote one's time and energy. 5. Note: Ephesians 5:16. B. Another creation of God that deserves one's time: the family. 1. Righteousness first--then the oldest human relationship: Genesis 2:21-25. a. God spoke man into existence: made woman from man--comment on time. b. Time had little meaning to Adam and Eve while in the garden. c. Time became valuable when they sinned: prospect of physical death loomed in the future. 2. In the process of time, two sons are born. a. The children grew up and one sinned. b. The reality of an end time is seen in the death of Abel. c. Cain would spend his time as a fugitive and a wanderer. 3. How much time do you think Adam and Eve spent with their sons? a. What kind of behavior did they observe in their parents? b. What kind of activities could be found in this home? c. Remember: their situation is as a result of sin. d. What kind of teaching did they receive? (1 Worked with Abel: Hebrews 11:4. (2 Cain did not take the time to learn! e. God let the parents live for a long time--had another son: Seth. C. Each home is a new creation, blessed of God(if meets His standards): takes one's time to mold. 1. Within that home, time is to be well spent for/by those who compose it: redeem it! Colossians 4:5. 2. Take time to love those in your home: Ephesians 5:25. a. Husband and wife.(No unfaithfulness if practiced.) b. Parents and children; children and parents. c. It will take your time and your effort--work at it! 3. Spend time with your family. a. They will be with you only a short time. b. Poem by Stan Gabhart. 4. Take time to teach your children: Proverbs 22:6. a. They will soon be grown and gone and teaching their own! b. We teach by word, by example, and attitude. c. They will remember the lessons they are taught("My parents always told me...."). D. There is a time when your time will run out! Hebrews 9:27 1. Do we devote our time to God's service, to our family and to righteous pursuits? 2. Do we emphasize the spiritual over the physical(secular)? 3. Do we set an example of helping and encouraging? III. Conclusion. A. Now is the time to act: I Peter 4:17. B. How do you spend your time: where will you be and what will you be when time runs out?-jy