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“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)

This past week my husband met with a life insurance agent because in just five years our life insurance policy runs out. Life insurance is like car insurance – you buy it to provide financially for your family should you meet an early death. But if you don’t meet that early death, none of the money is returned. As a younger person you don’t think about the fact that life insurance policies don’t go beyond the age of 60 or 70. You feel you will always be young – only others get old.

Because a person’s life span (the number of our days) is increasing, we should be planning our lives beyond the age of 65 – not only for financial reasons, but personal and ministry as well. My husband was told that the average man (if he is healthy at 65) will live to be 85. Twenty more years equals 7,300 days. That is long time.

January is a really good time of year to evaluate what we have done this past year – the past 365 days! Did our life and work reap eternal results? It is the time of year when we should assess the results of our work for the Lord and consider whether we have made the most of our time, talent, experience and treasure. It is a good time to think through and make changes in our goals and plans for the upcoming year.

For Marvin and me, it is the also the time when we appraise our giving to the Lord. He has blessed us with time, experiences, resources, talents, spiritual gifts and a network of people. Have we used them to help to evangelize and disciple and feed people around the world?

How much time did I spend in the Word and in prayer? How many people did I pray for? How many people have I been instrumental in bringing from the Kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light? How many people have been discipled through the ministry I’m involved with? How many people have been trained?

As I look through my last years papers and invoices, I become keenly aware of how I have spent my time and money. Then I take time to pray and plan for the coming year. How can I best use my God-given time, talent and treasure during the next 365 days?

“Even in old age (the godly) will still produce fruit and be vital and green” (Psalm 92:14 TLB)

“No matter what your age or health, your loving heavenly Father still has work for you to do! He wants to use and bless you.” – Dr. William R. Bright

Lord, God, You have allotted to each of us a number of days to love and serve you. Grant us the wisdom to follow Your direction so we can please You. Amen.

Questions for the comments: Am I willing to evaluate how I spend my time and money? What can I do to increase my awareness of being fruitful and not just busy?