Christian Living

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Monday January 14, 2008

While browsing through the notes in one of my older Bibles, I came across the following note:

"Time follows the heart. Talent follows the heart. The wallet follows the heart."

Since I could find no notation as to the person who said this line, I assume I thought of it. I wish.

Jesus said the issues of life proceed from the heart and this truth has been known to infuriate people who love to make excuses for wasting time, talent or treasure or in too many cases all three.

The summation of the line concerning what many call the terrible trilogy is simple, people do what they passionately want to do.

I find this truth a powerful ally when I am trying to teach people who really want to know, just how to have more time for the really important affairs of life, such as time with spouse, children, grandchildren and the things of the Lord. A professional time use evaluator (me) would surprise you with the analysis of the time you waste each day.

And the waste of talent in the United States is an enormous drain on the economy and the inner life of the populace. This statement refers to a number of practices accepted as common in our workplace. For instance, what do you do to make a living that compromises your talent, your training and your 'core values?' The practice of living with a clouded or guilty conscience takes a tremendous toll on your inner energy. Apathy is often the result of keeping your mouth shut when co-workers or superiors are engaging in less than honest business practices. You may also be involved, but think that in order to keep your job you have to go along to get along. What this practice costs in mental and emotional turmoil far outweighs any value which may come your way from the less than savory practice. This inner turmoil makes counselors rich.

Treasure. This one always perks the ears up, brings frowns to the brow, and often people to their feet to walk out of meetings. Let's face it, the proper use of time, talent and treasure is a demonstration that the wise person has learned how to manage three important parts of life, important parts that if mismanaged lead to misery, debt, a lack of inner fulfillment, and a deep growing awareness that life to this point has been mostly wasted! How foolish.

Implementing biblical principles of time management, the proper use of expertise (talent) and money management leads to a more productive, contented and comfortable life. It doesn't matter if you have a lot, we all have 24 hours per day, and we all have something that we can do well and we love to do, we simply learn how to market this gift, and whether you have millions or eke out a meager living, learning to understand and manage money is one of life's great gifts. Failure to get a passing grade on this "T" guarantees misery. The simple formula in the margin of my old Bible is a good barometer of just where you are. Time follows the heart. Talent follows the heart. The wallet follows the heart.

Larry Lilly Copyright (C) 2008 use with credit

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE