Newsletter: People of the Book

Christians, they say, are people of the book. That book is the Bible. As the Westminster Confession states, the Scriptures are our "rule of faith and life." Our knowledge of God is rooted in the Scriptures alone. However, I believe that most of us are people of another book as well. On my desk, not to far from my Bible is the bible of the twenty-first century America, the day-planner.

Whether paper or electronic, simple or complex, most of us have some kind of day-planner. The most disorganized among us have several. Even our youth are careful about their schedules--squeezing every minute out of their weeks. Our second grader, Thomas, has recently gotten his first planner. Every day, he carefully records his assignments. His parents hope that he will grow up to be a proper Presbyterian, doing everything "decently and in order."

Although we in the Church may have fights over the authority of Scripture, I am amazed that we have no difficulty with the authority of day-planners. If you don't believe me, pay attention the next time some asks you for an appointment.

"I'm sorry, but my calendar is full that day."
"Oh, how how about next week."

No one questions the calendar. Once something is written there it is as sacred as the Word of God.

All this being said, what do our day-planners say about us? Exercising careful stewardship over time means more than knowing where it all went. We also have the responsibility to make priorities. All of us should take a careful look at our day planners. Do our schedules allow time for prayer, Bible reading, and worship? Do we have time to build relationships with friends and family? Do we allow time for Sabbath? Our spiritual lives take time. If we live by our day-planners, then they should reflect that fact.

Every moment is a precious gift from God. Not a single one should be wasted. Every moment, every appointment, every meeting should be dedicated to God.