Now is the Time

By Mrs. Rovenia Hunnell

Preparation: Center of interest: Make a large clock face on heavy posterboard. Put the hour and minute hands on the clock with a brad so that the hands can be moved. Instead of numerals, place the following words: 1. Pray, 2. Lead, 3. Work, 4. Enlist, 5.Train, 6. Examine, 7. Evaluate, 8. Consider, 9. Love, l0. Be Humble, 11. Be Tactful, 12. Be Aware. Place the word Pray at the top of the clock at the twelve o'clock position and continue clockwise with the other words. As "Now is the time to pray" is read, both hands will be on the word. Continue with "Now is the time to lead," moving the hour hand to the work lead. Continue around the clock.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven," Ecc. 3:1.

It is a good thing for us to consider and focus our attention upon the fact that there is a time for every purpose under the sun. However, it is far better for us to recognize that all time belongs to God.

Nothing is ours except time. Time is ours only to use. Time is ours but for a season. We cannot possibly create a moment. Neither can we borrow a moment, but we can use or misuse moments of precious time. Without question, we waste many of those moments. Time cannot be stored up, brought back, slowed down, or hurried up. An old French proverb says, "All the treasures of earth cannot bring back one lost moment."

As we have this installation or dedication service for our officers, let us consider some good uses for their time. I would like for us to consider nine things that I think very important that we should do.

The important thing in any great endeavor is to know where to begin. To you, the officers, may we say that the place to begin is in prayer.

1. Now is the time to Pray. Prayer is a mighty instrument. No one but Jesus ever mastered the technique. Jesus knew so perfectly the act of prayer that His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray." So, spend much time in prayer. Ask God to direct you as you take places of leadership responsibility.

1. After prayer, Now is the time to Lead. You have been elected because the members of this organization saw in each of you the qualities of leadership. To be a good leader is indeed a God-given talent.
2. As leaders, we may say to you, Now is the time to Work. Success comes by hard work. Each of you must work diligently for the success of the organization. A true leader is able to work with others.
3. To each of you, we say, Now is the time to Enlist. The enlistment of new members adds strength and effectiveness to your organization. Growth assures the future of your work.
4. Now is the time to Train. Enlisted members must be trained. The training of workers is the responsibility of the leadership. Learning comes through training. Minds are going to waste. This generation seems to be reading more and more and learning less and less. Growth comes with learning. Time should be regarded in terms of measureless growth.
5. Now is the time to Examine. Examine your weaknesses. Trust God to help you become a worthy servant.
6. Now is the time to Evaluate. After self-examination we can better evaluate our services. To evaluate properly means learning to put first things first. Our sense of value must be adjusted according to God's will.
7. Now is the time to consider our Stewardship. Stewardship involves more than money. It involves using our God-given abilities. It is a sobering thought to be allowed to work along with God. One who "labors with God" can not be lazy, indifferent, or selfish with time, talent, money, or prayers.
8. Now is the time to Love. Out Bible tells us, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." I John 4:8. Love is an attribute of those who love God. To love is a very necessary part of service. It is impossible to do an acceptable job for God or man without love, for, "Love is of God" I John 4:7. The Salvation Army has a slogan, "To love the unlovely is the greatest adventure." God loves the unlovely as well as the lovely; so must we who serve Him.

We have considered nine things which it is Now the Time to Do. Now, let us consider three things a leader must be.

9. A leader must be Humble. To be chosen a leader is most assuredly an honor. In the book of Proverbs, the wise man Solomon tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." Jesus said, "Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."
10. A leader must be Tactful. Another word for tactful is kind. To avoid hurting people is always the mark of a good leader. It is very difficult to lead people into worthwhile activities if their feelings have been hurt, their convictions treated with sarcasm or contempt, or if their efforts have been criticized or minimized. Kindness is the key.
11. A leader must be Aware. An awareness of the responsibility of being a leader plus an awareness of each opportunity for service as it presents itself is necessary to true and effective leadership.