Today’s Scripture:
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” – Matthew 25:31-32 (NKJV)
Introduction: The Eternal Audit
In a world obsessed with productivity and hustle, it’s easy to measure life by what we achieve rather than by who we become. However, Matthew 25:31-46 reveals that there will come a day when Jesus Himself will evaluate not our accolades or bank accounts, but how we lived in obedience to His calling. Hustle culture may promise fulfillment through striving and busyness, but it often blinds us to God’s higher purpose for our time. Are we truly prepared to give an account to the Lord for how we’ve used the time He has entrusted to us?
The Trap of Hustle Culture
A False Sense of Accomplishment
Hustle culture thrives on the idea that constant busyness equates to success, yet it leaves us feeling burned out and spiritually depleted. Ecclesiastes 2:11 captures this perfectly: “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.”
- Chasing Productivity Over Purpose: When we focus solely on achievements, we risk neglecting the deeper calling to serve and glorify God.
- Ignoring Eternal Impact: The frantic pace of hustle culture can drown out the still, small voice of God, causing us to prioritize temporary gains over eternal rewards.
Reflection Question: What would your life look like if you shifted your focus from hustling to honoring God with your time?
God’s Measure of Time Well-Spent
- Serving Others: The Heart of God’s Calling
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus outlines what pleases Him: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. These acts of love and service are not secondary to our faith; they are central to it.
- Compassion Over Competition: Instead of striving to “get ahead,” focus on how you can lift others up.
- Seeing Jesus in Others: Every act of kindness is an act of worship, as Jesus says, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Reflection Question: How can you incorporate intentional acts of service into your daily routine?
- Prioritizing God’s Kingdom Over Personal Gain
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This verse is a clear invitation to align our priorities with God’s mission rather than our personal ambitions.
- Living with Eternal Perspective: When we dedicate our time to what glorifies God, our efforts carry eternal significance.
- Trusting in God’s Provision: Letting go of hustle culture’s demands allows us to rely on God’s faithfulness to meet our needs.
- Stewarding Time Wisely
Time is a resource, and God expects us to use it wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
- Evaluate Your Priorities: Are you dedicating time to things that build your faith and serve God’s purpose?
- Create Margin: Leave space in your schedule to hear God’s voice and respond to His leading.
The Consequences of Misused Time
A Sobering Reality
Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:41-46 serve as a warning to those who neglect their calling to serve others. The goats in the parable were condemned not because of what they did, but because of what they failed to do. Their busyness blinded them to the needs of others and, ultimately, to God’s heart.
- Missed Opportunities: Focusing on hustle culture can cause us to overlook divine appointments and opportunities to show God’s love.
- Eternal Accountability: We will all give an account for how we used the time and resources God entrusted to us.
Reflection Question: Are there areas of your life where busyness is keeping you from fulfilling God’s calling?
Conclusion: From Hustle to Holy Purpose
Hustle culture may promise success, but only living for God’s purpose brings lasting fulfillment. Matthew 25:31-46 reminds us that our lives will be evaluated not by how busy we were, but by how faithfully we served Him and others. Let go of the pressure to do it all and instead focus on aligning your time with God’s eternal plan. In doing so, you will find peace, purpose, and a life that truly glorifies Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time and the reminder that it is a resource to be stewarded for Your glory. Help us to resist the pressures of hustle culture and focus instead on serving You and others. Teach us to live with eternal purpose and guide our steps daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
