Make the best use of your time

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6 ESV

In an article titled “Runner, 53, who vowed to complete a marathon EVERY DAY of the year in bid to raise £1m for charity crosses the finish line after completing his 365th 26.2mile course,” published Saturday, the following was reported: Macmillan Cancer Support executive director of fundraising, Claire Rowney, added: 'Every single day this year, this extraordinary man has put his body through a marathon to raise money for Macmillan and our friends at Hospice at Home West Cumbria. 'I can only imagine the self-discipline and determination required to achieve this and there aren't enough words to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything that he has done to help Macmillan support people living with cancer at a time when they need us more than ever.' Mr McKee also inspired others to join him. Chris Young, 29, who ran 90 marathons with Mr McKee, said: 'Gary ignited a fire in my belly this year when I began running frequently with him and has given me both physical and mental resilience that I don't know if I would have ever discovered in myself in a million years. 

And you know, as I read what Chris Young said, I was reminded of the importance of “making the best use of the time” God gives us. McKee not only chose to use his time to meet a fundraising need but throughout the course of 90 marathons spoke words that inspired a younger runner to do things he never thought possible, prompting Chris to add, “There's going to be a lot of people's lives a lot better off thanks to Gary's efforts, myself included.'” Talk about making the best use of the time he had. Gary McKee will be remembered long after he hangs up his running shoes. 

So as you and I go into the new year, let us vow to make this the year we “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” and make the most of every opportunity the Lord gives us to make ‘people's lives a lot better off’—by not only telling them about Jesus but showing the love of Christ by doing good works to a world desperately in need of experiencing them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are the Giver of every breath we take and the Provider of every minute we have. Cause us to truly understand this that we might spend our lives in service to You, working to inspire the lost to seek Jesus.. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!