Hal Halfway loves the Viking Cruise motto, “Time is the only truly scarce commodity.” This invigorates him to severely economize his time, whether in relationships or affiliations. While having coffee with a friend, Hal abruptly leaves whenever he had finishes ½ of his drink. Hal does not care if the conversation is completed. If Hal meets a newcomer at church, he never travels beyond the initial pleasantries. Afterall, he only has so much time to spare. Mr. Halfway loves volunteering at his church but in honoring his new economy of time, he makes sure that in helping at VBS, he leaves every evening at the ½ way point. Hal cannot believe all the time he saves. He takes pride in his great reserves of time.
A HALF DONE OPERATION
Recent events have caused Mr. Halfway to reconsider his attitude toward time. He had a serious car accident. Serious injuries required immediate surgery. While getting prepped for surgery, Hal enthusiastically told the surgeon about his attitude regarding time. The surgeon was intrigued. Unbeknownst to Mr. Halfway, the surgeon stopped the Hal’s operation at the halfway point. Out the door exited the surgeon with Mr. Halfway still on the operating table. Think of all that time the surgeon saved!
JESUS NEVER SKIMPED
So glad that Jesus never subscribed to Mr. Halfway’s economy of time. Even happier that Jesus never skimped by economizing His relationship to both God and to people. Jesus lived for completeness, not economy. He always fully engaged. No miracles ever left ½ completed; no ½ resurrection; no ½ payment for our sins. All interactions fully settled.
ETERNAL LIVING
Jesus didn’t carry on distracted conversations, anxiously looking over the person’s shoulder, hoping to move on to someone of more important rank. He completely loved and loves individuals, giving them His full attention. Jesus never views time as the “only truly scarce commodity” because Jesus lives in eternity.
Who else lives in eternity? Believers! Right now, we are living in eternity. In such a landscape, there are two main pillars: obedience to God and love for God and people. Half obedience is no obedience at all! Half love is no love at all! Eternal living is as vast as God Himself.
Jesus said, I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing (John 15:9-17).
God wants us to live new lives in Him with complete and overflowing joy, not stuck in economizing. Jesus never does anything ½ way and neither should we. Mr. Halfway does not fit into God’s lavish plan of living fully. God’s design is obedience and love as expansive as God Himself.