A feature created by the Stewardship Ministries Department of the Northeastern Conference.

The main ingredient in THE STEW this month is “TIME.”

This is an ingredient given to everyone every day. The wise and intentional use of TIME is given for us to establish relationships and fulfill the purposes of God that will bring Him honor and glory.

God is the owner and creator of time. As human beings, we are merely stewards of the TIME allotted to us. Since TIME is limited and life is fleeting, we are encouraged “to number our days” or make the most of the opportunities given to us each day so that we can gain a heart of wisdom.

As stewards of the TIME entrusted unto us, we must ensure that we don’t spend most of our TIME in the pursuit of that which is temporary, but that which is eternal. The temporary things that we do should be done in appreciation of the eternal blessings we’ve received. TIME should not only be spent, but invested. When TIME is spent, the return is usually short-term and temporary, but when

When TIME is invested, the results are usually long-lasting and have eternal consequences.

When TIME is invested in establishing an intimate relationship with God, the results are amazing! Faithfulness and loving obedience are natural attributes that become a part of our character because of the TIME we have invested in God.

Many of the struggles we have (financial, social, health, and interpersonal relationships) are a result of the limited TIME we invest in our relationship with God each day.

Here are some questions that we need to reflect on and answer carefully as we stir THE STEW this month:

• Since TIME is irreversible, how am I using the limited TIME entrusted unto me each day?

• What are some things that I need to stop doing or start doing with the TIME given to me each day?

• How confident am I that when TIME changes to eternity, I will make that transition?

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