Confession #5: I'm a fan of Jonathan Edwards

And not just his "resolves" or "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", the sermon you might have read in high school.

A few years ago I read Religious Affections, and I'll be honest, I found it a tough read.  I was distracted by his use of words in ways that I was uncomfortable with (different definitions have evolved in several hundred years of use of the English language), so it's been some time since I've seriously gone through any of his writings.

Thankfully, yesterday a friend shared with me a small quote from his treatise titled The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It.  If there were ever a title to compel me to read something, that'd be it.

In true Jonathan Edwards fashion, it can be a bit of a challenge to read, specifically if you're out of practice reading older English.  It concerns me that perhaps people who might need to read it most wouldn't have the patience to sit through Puritan verbiage to get to the point -- that they wouldn't be convicted as they should because the language is unfamiliar.

Which brings me to my point: I'm going to outline it here!  Short, sweet, and to the point.

(That said, I'd definitely rather have you read it yourself: http://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/jonathan-edwards/sermons/the-preciousness-of-time-and-the-importance-of-redeeming-it/)

The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It

4 Reasons Why Time is Precious:

• Because the quality of your eternity depends on your "improvement", or ability to make the most, of it 
• Because time is very short
• Because we are uncertain of just how short it is
• Because when it is past, it cannot be recovered

Reflect on the Past:

• What have you done with the days of your life?
• What would you have done with it if you could go back?
• What have you done with your times of rest?

You're NOT Redeeming Time If: 

• You spend a great amount of time being idle (doing nothing of value)
• You spend your time doing things that are sinful or with those making a practice of sin
• You spend your time in worldly pursuits and neglect your soul

It Matters Because:

• You're accountable to God for your time
• You've lost a lot of time already 
• When you're on your deathbed you don't want to regret not using it
• When life ends, you'll have eternity to consider how you spent it

Advice on Redeeming the Time:

• Make the most of your time right NOW, making no delay
• Take special care to redeem specifically precious times, like your time of communion with God
• Make your free time profitable from an eternal perspective

The warning: CONSIDER where you spend your time. What true satisfaction will you reap from it? Will it give you peace? Are you bettering your soul by it? What is it doing to affect eternity? What will all you have earned give you when your time is out?

It is my hope and prayer to be a person who uses well the time God gives me.  

Wasting time should be a thought that appalls me.  

Killing time should be a phrase gone from my vocabulary. 

Making time should occur for what is truly important.  

Redeeming time should be my habit.