“Look carefully, then, how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” ESV

The author Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5 to make the best use of our time. Time is a precious gift from our Lord. His reason for this proclamation is that the days are evil and filled with trouble. Our days on earth are short and difficult, filled with distractions. These distractions are pulling us from the Creator and His Word. So then, because of the condition of our culture, we are strongly encouraged to consider our priorities and to organize our time. I am fairly confident that those of you reading this are MORE than aware of the short opportunities that we have with children and their families on a weekly basis. Consider the thousands of hours per year that our kids spend in school, on electronic devices, or involved in dozens of activities, compared to the few short hours they are under our ministry and teaching. How are we able to best utilize each and every second in order to maximize the impact that the Lord desires to have in the hearts of each and every child? Let’s consider this enormous challenge.

First of all, let’s be empty vessels that the Holy Spirit can fill and use. Have we prayed earnestly and sincerely concerning all aspects of the appointed time? Hopefully, we have thoroughly prepared what the Holy Spirit has directed and are ready to proclaim His truth. Poor planning or lack of focus will not enable us to fully impact all who are present. Have we minimized the distractions in our own lives?

Practically, from the moment a child or family arrives at the event, all avenues should be operational. Consider using electronic signage to visually highlight upcoming happenings or a biblical truth that can be viewed by all entering the building. Be sure that friendly encounters are happening to greet everyone as people begin to congregate. Begin in a purposeful and planned way. Perhaps these opening minutes are structured in such a way that all attendees follow the same routine each week, and thus, there is no downtime for sharing instructions, expectations, and procedures. Pre-evaluate the instructional time and aim for quality time!

Remember that our goal is not entertainment. The focus must be on the gospel and the discipling of those who have tremendous potential for the kingdom of God. We are stewards of all resources that God has given to us. Prayerfully, God will enlarge what is being entrusted and placed into these young minds. I was reminded of this as I heard the following account: A cleaning team descended upon a house where the occupants had hired the company to thoroughly scrub and sanitize the home. The team was there for several hours, but prior to their arrival, the lead person had spent much time determining the approach and orchestration of the individuals and their particular chores and obligations. Upon arrival, every person began to immediately carry out the plan and continued to work diligently until their responsibility was fulfilled. Should we be any less prepared for those entrusted to us? Don’t you desire to see a great harvest in the future from the lives of these young disciples? Let’s prayerfully and intentionally strive to redeem our time!

Karen Bishir grew up hearing about Jesus' love and forgiveness from a young age, and when she came to understand the message of salvation through faith in Christ, she embraced God’s grace and forgiveness. Raised in a pastor's home, Karen has continued to live in ministry throughout her adult life alongside her husband, Terry, who has pastored Liberty Baptist Church for 38 years. They are blessed with four married children and 14 grandchildren. Karen is deeply involved in Liberty’s music, women’s, and children’s ministries, and her passion for teaching has led her to serve in homeschool, Christian, and public school settings, as well as within the church. She treasures time with children and their families, and her heart’s desire is to see God working in lives across all generations.