Perspective: The Compass and the Clock

Source: the internet

Think about a compass and a clock: two very important tools with two very different purposes. One would be wise not to confuse the two. To surrender our time to God is to be governed by a compass rather than to be controlled by a clock.

A compass provides a sense of direction, purpose, vision, perspective, and balance. A clock measures duration–the expenditure of time. A compass determines effectiveness—doing the right tasks. A clock determines efficiency–how long it takes to accomplish a task. Each has its place. But the compass must come before the clock–therefore, effectiveness before efficiency. Do the right thing. The “mega-priorities” of the compass subordinate the “mini-priorities” of the clock. Then, do the thing right.

A compass, therefore, becomes a symbol of an internal guidance system that provides us with our values and convictions based on God’s Word. This non-negotiable system governs our lives. In the same manner that the magnetic force pulls the compass needle, it is God who governs the drive of our lives. We surrender to His force.

Our time should be surrendered to God daily. I asked a friend who is successfully engaged in many pursuits how he managed it all. He said, “I give my first minutes to God, then I commit the remainder of the day to his Lordship. And amazingly I work more effectively and efficiently.”