Words by Scott McCullar | Image by Blakeney Clouse
What I can only describe as shock and unbelief swept over me when the notification popped up on my phone… “Nick Saban is announcing his retirement from Alabama.”
If you had asked me at the end of this last year what Nick Saban would be doing next fall, I certainly wouldn’t have guessed being an analyst on ESPN’s weekly College Gameday broadcast.
The legendary Nick Saban is not coaching football anymore! What a mind-boggling thought. But the reason why Nick Saban won’t be coaching this upcoming football season is a sobering truth for all of us. You see, Nick Saban faced an undefeated, unrelenting opponent and couldn’t scheme or earn a win over it. And neither can you.
That opponent is TIME.
None of us can outlast, outplay, or outwork time. One day, the years will overwhelm us, and we will succumb to them.
The Bible tells us that when sin entered the world, our time on this earth became a very limited resource. God says we are a “vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14). I have seen it in my own life. It seems like just yesterday; my kids were in diapers. Now they are all teenagers. Where did the time go?
So, there is a very important question you and I must consider. What will we do with the time that we have? Since we don’t know how much time is appointed for us (Hebrews 9:27), how will we invest and spend the years, months, days, and hours we have left?
Nick Saban invested 17 years into The University of Alabama, which resulted in numerous championships and wins. What have we done with the last 17 years? Have we, as believers, used that time for the glory of God? What wins have we made for Heaven? How many souls have we brought to Jesus for salvation? How much love and generosity have we shown to people? How have we been encouragers and enlighteners for the Lord? Have we been people who forgive or people who are bitter and angry? How have we tried to make our community a better place? How often have we worshipped with our local church family in fellowship through the Word of God and prayer?
I think most of us can easily say we wish we could have used our time better. But, you know what? You can start today! You can decide right now to take your time and utilize it for the purposes and praise of God. How?
First, and most importantly, if you are not a Christian, humbly and joyfully give your life to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your disobedience to Him and be your Lord forever. Oh, how God will be so happy to hear from you! He loves you so much! Then, find a good church where the pastor preaches the Bible, the congregation loves each other, and the Lord uses them to impact their community and beyond with the Good News of Jesus. Get involved! Then, take each day and make the most of it. Love your family. Forgive those who have hurt you. Bless those less fortunate than you. Share the Gospel with your words and life. Be a blessing.
Listen, the days will pass quickly. But rest assured, if we use our remaining time for the Lord, one day we will stand before King Jesus, and He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord!” What a glorious and exciting truth! Hey, that’s better than a statue at a stadium or trophies in a case!
So, let’s invest this day for the Kingdom of God and never look back, because before too long, there won’t be any time left. WL
