And It's All About Taking Time

In considering the issue of time and timing (see previous post), I've also been thinking about the ways we choose to use our time. Very few Christians in our busy world do not struggle to regularly set aside adequate, protected time to meditate and pray. I usually do well during weekdays, and not so well during weekends ... which is ironic considering that is when my time is more likely to be my own.

At early morning worship this past Friday, one of the students chose the hymn "Take Time to Be Holy," during the singing time. As I had just been thinking about time and timing, the words really struck home for me. Taken away from the lulling familiarity of the tune that I've heard ever since I was a little kid, these words convey new depth of meaning and speak much encouragement to me.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.