We are fast approaching the season of the year where vast sums of money will be spent on things. More stuff. Newer stuff. Nicer stuff. But, just stuff. It would be good for all of us to take a fresh accounting of true riches. As a boy I heard Adrian Rogers say, “To find out how rich you are, add up everything that money cannot buy and death cannot take away.”

The most priceless thing that any of us have is time. Time is the currency of life, and it is limited. Once spent, you never get it back! In many ways every day is like a dollar, meant to be used wisely…

1. Time will be spent.
2. Time can be wasted.
3. Time should be invested.

Paul used this same illustration of truth when he wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). There is no substitute for time.

• Busyness is no substitute for time spent in prayer.
• Experience is no substitute for time spent studying God’s Word.
• Earning money is no substitute for time spent with your children.
• Words are no substitute for time spent with your spouse.
• Occasional attendance at a religious service is no substitute for time spent faithfully fellowshipping with God’s people.
• Giving offerings is no substitute for time spent in personal witnessing.
• Working harder is no substitute for time spent in solitude, quiet, reflection, and communion with God.
• Possessions are no substitute for time spent serving the Lord.

There is no substitute for time. On her deathbed, Queen Victoria whispered, “I would give all of my money for one moment of time.” It would be good to weigh life on God’s scales and bring it into balance before you reach the end.

A.W. Tozer said, “When you kill time, remember it has no resurrection.” There is no substitute for time.