Spending the Day with God Part II

Matthew Vogan provides us with an updated version of Richard Baxter’s (1615 – 1691) “How to Spend the Day with God”:

A holy life is inclined to be made easier when we know the usual sequence and method of our duties – with everything falling into its proper place. Therefore, I shall give some brief directions for spending the day in a holy manner.

Family Worship:

Let family worship be performed consistently and at a time when it is most likely for the family to be free of interruptions.

Ultimate Purpose:

Remember your ultimate purpose, and when you set yourself to your day’s work or approach any activity in the world, let HOLINESS TO THE LORD be written upon your hearts in all that you do.

Do no activity which you cannot entitle God to, and truly say that he set you about it, and do nothing in the world for any other ultimate purpose than to please, glorify and enjoy Him. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Diligence in Your Calling:

Follow the tasks of your calling carefully and diligently. Thus:

• You will show that you are not sluggish and servants to your flesh (as those that cannot deny it ease), and you will further the putting to death of all the fleshly lusts and desires that are fed by ease and idleness.

• You will keep out idle thoughts from your mind that swarm in the minds of idle persons.

• You will not lose precious time, something that idle persons are daily guilty of.

• You will be in a way of obedience to God when the slothful are in constant sins of omission.

• You may have more time to spend in holy duties if you follow your occupation diligently. Idle persons have no time for praying and reading because they lose time by loitering at their work.

• You may expect God’s blessing and comfortable provision for both yourself and your families.

• It may also encourage the health of your body which will increase its competence for the service of your soul. (“How to Spend the Day with God”)