What comes to mind when you think of the number 25,550?  Some of you may be thinking that’s the amount of calories consumed by a typical American male on Thanksgiving day – actually that number would probably be too low, especially if pecan pie is consumed.  Here’s a clue from Moses,

As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away.  (Psalm 90:10)

If you live for 70 years, that will add up to 25,550 days (70 x 365 = 25,550).  Many of us will sleep for approximately one third of that time and another third will be involved in your vocation – all of sudden that number gets rather small.  Moses wants you to realize that time is fleeting so he gives us this advice,

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

If you factor your age into that number then the number becomes even smaller.  Therefore, we must be wise in the use of our time.  It’s important not only to number our days but then we must ask ourselves, “What shall I do with my time?”  A question I like to have at the forefront of my mind is, “Is this the best use of my time right now?”  George Eastman wisely wrote, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines who we are.”  Moses concludes his Psalm with this request,

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.  (Psalm 90:17)

How are you investing your life for eternity?  One of my mentors, Stephen Olford, often said, “This one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Dr. Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University