Pastor’s Corner: “Cleaning Your Clock”
Ephesians 5:16-18 (AMP) – 16 making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.
Origin of the phrase “Clean Your Clock”: This expression originated during the 1900s. It is possibly related to the idea that a clock has a face, and cleaning someone’s clock often implies punching someone in the face or generally, this phrase is used to describe someone who has won in a competition.
As I woke up this morning praying, Holy Spirit put this phrase on my heart, but with an entirely different meaning. I felt like the Lord was telling me, let me clean your clock….no I do not think the Lord wanted to punch me in the face (although there are times I may deserve this)! Nor do I think the Lord wants to defeat me. I believe the Lord wants to address my schedule and how I allocate my time.
I don’t know about you, but I am someone who goes about my day very aware of the clock and time. I am constantly planning, setting and adjusting throughout the day the things that I am to accomplish. Sometimes my attitude is affected by interruptions and my ability to get done what I set out to do. I know at times this can be an obstacle in my relationship with the Lord. But the reverse is also an obstacle –Wasting our time. Thinking very little of our schedule and letting the world set your agenda can also take us off track of the plans the Lord has for us. His plans are always the best. Either approach, we can miss God’s best for us.
God is saying to all of us; let me clean your clock….or in other words: “Let God Set Your Agenda.”
Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn’t want you to do. If you don’t do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships. As the opening scripture explains, let Holy Spirit guide your day and schedule. Let God set your agenda by being led by His Spirit.
How do we get started? Get Rid of Distractions. Sometimes you may just need to clear away the clutter so you can clearly see what is worthwhile. First, we must choose to let go of old ways of acting. “Everything — and I do mean everything — connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it!” (Ephesians 4:22 MSG) Second, we must change the way we think. “Let the Spirit change your way of thinking” (Ephesians 4:23 CEV).
If you desire God’s best for your life, you have to be willing to let the Lord “Clean your Clock”? Let His Holy Spirit guide you and set your agenda daily. Be willing to let go of your old ways whether it is controlling your schedule or slothfulness and allow the Lord to redeem (make the most of) your time!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton