In First Timothy, Paul helped young Timothy reach his potential and fulfill all that God planned for his life and ministry. In chapter four, he gave some specific instructions on how to be a faithful minister and how to fulfill his call. In verse 15, Paul admonished Timothy to “meditate on these things”. Paul wanted Timothy to stop and think about his call.

When’s the last time you paused to meditate on your call? I’m talking about thinking intently about what God has placed before you.

Let’s take time to think together. If God has called you to children’s ministry, the following is true:

1. You have been given the opportunity to minister to the most fertile of hearts - boys and girls. Statistics estimate that 85% of salvation decisions are made as a child.

2. You have the opportunity to lead the largest volunteer force in your church. Children’s ministry requires more volunteers than any other ministry in the church.

3. You have the opportunity to help mom and dad raise champions for Jesus Christ. Remember, mom and dad have a lot more influence in the life of a kid than you ever will. (Click here to see a great book on the subject.)

4. You are going to be on Satan’s radar. If 85% of Christians get saved before their 14th birthday, don’t be surprised if Satan tries to get you to quit. If a person’s world view is established by the preteen years, don’t be dumfounded when the enemy makes you feel lonely and discouraged.

5. You have the opportunity to do today what many wish they could have done in the past. D.L. Moody was responsible for leading thousands of people to Christ, starting a Bible Institute that has sent thousands of missionaries around the world, and on I could go. Yet, at the end of his life he said that if he could relive his life, he would “devote it entirely to reaching children for God.”

Take some time to do what Timothy did. Stop and think about your call.

Did you know that you will spend an average of 5 years of your life waiting in line? 6 of those months will be at stop lights! That’s not all. You’ll spend an average of 8 months opening junk mail, one year looking for things you misplaced, two years trying to call people back on the phone, four years cleaning the house, and six years eating. (Source: Priority Management Pittsburgh, Inc.)

The point? I don’t think we realize how much time we waste every day. It’s time to stop and ask, “What do I WANT to do with my time?” If we aren’t intentional with our time, it will waste away.

Here’s a good reminder: Everyone has the same amount of time in a day. True, some people live longer lives, but we each have 24-hour days. Have you noticed that the older you get the faster time goes? Boy I have. It seems to zip by. Since time keeps zipping by faster and faster, I need to spend my time doing what I WANT to do - with intent.

Edward Griggs said, “Fifteen minutes a day devoted to one definite study will make one a master in a dozen years.” Here’s the challenge. Let’s start with 15 minutes a day and intentionally do what we WANT to do. Pick something that will make you a better Christian, a better children’s pastor, a better parent, etc. Start now!