MAKING THE MOST OF IT (PROVERBS 31:10-31)

REFLECTION Making the most of it, is the theme for our reflection. To make the most of it means to use or enjoy something as much as possible or to use something in an effective way. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a woman who is at the same time a wife, a mother, a housekeeper, an entrepreneur…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Sep 2, 2022

3–4 minutes

REFLECTION

Making the most of it, is the theme for our reflection. To make the most of it means to use or enjoy something as much as possible or to use something in an effective way. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a woman who is at the same time a wife, a mother, a housekeeper, an entrepreneur and an industrious person. She is an example of a successful person because “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29).

Dear friend, there are two important factors to consider if you want to be successful in life. The first factor is acknowledge God and fear Him for we are only mere mortals, without Him we are nothing and can achieve nothing, even if we do achieve something we may not have the grace and longevity of life to enjoy the fruits of our labour therefore “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30). No matter who you are, do not only focus on yourself and the things of this world but make the most of your limited time on earth to develop a relationship with the Lord through repentance and baptism and fear Him for the rest of your vain life by living a life of total submission, worship and service to Him. Salvation is through Jesus, make Him your Lord and Saviour today.

Secondly, to be successful in life, you must be consistent with making the most of your time and every opportunity that comes your way. This is a gift from God. The woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 was not lazy and careless. She makes good use of her time and invests in profitable ventures for good returns. “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable Her lamp does not go out at night…She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant…She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness…Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:15-18, 24,27,31).

Some young people of our time are living unproductive lives yet they hope to be successful in the future. Praying and fasting, and attending all-night services and crusades alone does not guarantee success, spirituality must be done tandem with hard work, diligence and making the most of the time. Again, spending hours on social media chatting, watching movies, gambling and idleness will not guarantee us success. We must be good stewards of our bodies and time on earth. Time and good health are priceless resources, they must be used judiciously for profitable projects or activities. Money must be invested wisely and not spent irresponsibly on ephemeral and less important goods and services. For the future is certain and bright for those who are wise, deligent and investment conscious. We must be God fearing, wise, deligent and industrious like the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 and God will bless our hustles and efforts. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, we humbly ask that You strengthen us to make You the centre of our lives and grant us the wisdom and diligence to make most of the strength, time and opportunities You continue to grant us through Your abundant grace. Amen.