The Worth and Preciousness of Time
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance and preciousness of time, highlighting its relation to eternity and the eternal consequences of our actions.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immense worth and preciousness of time, illustrating that understanding its value can profoundly impact a person's heart. He argues that time is a critical factor in determining our eternal fate, as it serves as the prologue to eternity, where the choices we make now will yield either bliss or bane in the afterlife. Brooks highlights that time is a fleeting commodity, and if one were in hell, they would trade anything for just a moment more. He encourages listeners to view their current time as an opportunity to sow seeds of grace rather than sin, as this will determine their eternal harvest. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a wise use of time to exchange earthly struggles for heavenly rewards.
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There is nothing which puts a more serious frame
into a man's heart, than to know the worth and
preciousness of time.
"Time," says Bernard, "would be a good commodity
in hell, and the selling of it most gainful; where, for
one day, a man would give ten thousand worlds if
he had them."
One called his friends, "Thieves!" because they
stole time from him.
Certainly time is infinitely precious, in regard of what
depends upon it. What can there be of more worth,
and weight, and importance--than eternity?
Eternity is the heaven of heaven--and the hell of hell.
Without eternity, heaven would not be so desirable--
nor hell be so formidable.
Eternity depends upon time. Time is the prologue to
eternity. The great weight of eternity--hangs upon
the small wire of time. Upon the spending of our time,
depends either the bliss or the bane of body and soul
to all eternity! Now is our seed-time, eternity is the
harvest. Whatever seed we now sow, whether of sin
or grace--it comes up in eternity!
Now is our market-time, in which, if we are wise merchants,
we may make a happy exchange of earth--for heaven; of a
valley of tears--for a paradise of delights.
Though time itself does not last--yet whatever is
everlasting, depends upon time.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Value of Time
- A. Time is precious due to its relation to eternity
- B. Eternity is the ultimate goal and outcome of our time on earth
- II. The Importance of Time
- A. Time is the prologue to eternity
- B. Our actions in time have eternal consequences
- III. The Opportunity of Time
- A. Time is our market-time for making a happy exchange
- B. We can make choices that lead to heaven or hell
- IV. The Impermanence of Time
- A. Time itself does not last
- B. Yet, what is everlasting depends on time
Key Quotes
“Time would be a good commodity in hell, and the selling of it most gainful; where, for one day, a man would give ten thousand worlds if he had them.” — Thomas Brooks
“Eternity is the heaven of heaven--and the hell of hell.” — Thomas Brooks
“Upon the spending of our time, depends either the bliss or the bane of body and soul to all eternity!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must make the most of our time by making wise choices that lead to heaven.
- Our actions in time have eternal consequences, so we must be mindful of how we spend our time.
- Time is a precious commodity that can be used to make a happy exchange of earth for heaven.