Yesterday a man I didn’t know was killed when his pickup truck was hit by a driver who had fallen asleep. Traffic accidents and fatalities happen; but this one struck a chord. I’m not sure why exactly, but I was left with the thought of the value of a moment. In a moment’s time, things can change and change drastically. It’s worth pondering…
I think about those jars with the layered sand that are so pretty. Collectively they create a picture. Separately, each is just a colored grain of sand with seemingly little value. Without each grain though, there would be no beautiful picture. Moments matter just like each grain of sand.
It only takes a moment to say yes. In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus saw Simon Peter and his brother Andrew casting a net into the water. He called, “follow me.” They dropped their net and went with him. That split second decision changed their lives and the world.
A certain ruler went to Jesus and asked “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus explained that no one is good except God and reminded the ruler about keeping the commandments. The ruler acknowledged his faithfulness to these. Then Jesus told him, “sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) Without giving it much thought, the ruler became sorrowful. You see he was rich. He decided his wealth was more important to him. In a moment he made a life altering decision.
I am reminded of Lot’s wife. The angels came to take Lot and his family to safety out of the city of Sodom. God was going to destroy it, completely. Genesis 19:17 provides us with the angel’s specific instructions: “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee…” In a moment Lot’s wife made a fatal decision. She looked back and was instantly turned to a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).
In a moment of anger, words are spoken that causing lasting damage. They cannot be taken back despite our repentance and sorrow. Their memory lingers. Both the speaker and the listener sorrow.
Our enemy the devil wants to steal our precious moments. Distractions cause us to misuse our moments, keeping us from the important things. Procrastinating causes us to lose our moments forever.
The moments God give us matter for good or evil. We are responsible for how we spend them. Each one represents an opportunity. How will we use our moments? Who can tell the value of a moment?
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement
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