The Gift Of Time
One of my favourite Bible verses is Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV: ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.’
There is indeed a time for everything. Understanding this truth can make or break how you live your life. A wise man once said, “Time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance. Use it wisely.” If nothing else, we can all agree that time is far too precious to waste, and if you habitually waste time on frivolous activities, you most likely do not understand its value.
Let’s start by defining time. According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, time is “A particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present, or future.” History reveals that mankind understood the need to track time. Thousands of years ago, people tracked time by placing a stick upright on the ground and observing its moving shadow as the day progressed. Today, we have developed intricate and sophisticated systems to monitor time to the nth degree! Our accuracy in understanding what time is has increased exponentially. But regardless of how accurate we may be, have we become more efficient and purposeful in how we spend it?
In terms of efficiency, we have achieved more in a shorter space of time due to the technological advancements made over the last few centuries. But whether or not we are more intentional about how we spend our time is a different ball game. The key question I would like you to answer as you read this article is, “How do I spend my time?”. How you answer this question will significantly impact whether or not you live a purposeful life.
Ephesians 5:15-17, ASV
Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Let’s focus on the phrase ‘redeeming the time’. According to the Webster 1828 dictionary, to ‘redeem’ means “to repurchase what has been sold.” It’s an interesting phrase, I must say. According to David Guzik’s commentary on this verse, the idea behind redeeming the time is that you buy up opportunities like a shrewd businessman—making the most of every opportunity for Jesus Christ. The Lord expects us to be intentional with our time.
We must ask ourselves why this is important. The verse goes on to say, “because the days are evil”. Nobody reading this article is unaware of the evil persistent in this world and the heart of man. The evil in this world should compel you to live purposefully for Christ. A lack of understanding of the importance of this will cause you to be foolish and oblivious to God’s will. We have a lot of distractions in our day and age. Technological advancements have aided this. Companies have been set up to study how they can get you to spend the maximum amount of time feasible using their product. Consequently, you must decide to protect your time. Set boundaries so you can be productive. Boundaries are needed around entertainment and social media, but they are also necessary in relationships. A lack of intentionality in how you spend your time will inevitably result in making you unfruitful.
It’s normal to desire to leave this world with the confidence that you spent your time wisely. Questions like ‘What impact did I make with my life?’, ‘Did I use my time wisely?’ and ‘Did I help others and be a blessing to them?’ will likely race through our minds when we know death is near. The last thing you want to do with the precious gift of time is spend it all on yourself, only to be classified as selfish! Why live a self-centred life when you can love others and serve God? Making yourself the centre of the universe is easy. But the truth is that when we witness the gift of time on this earth being taken away from someone other than ourselves through death, we remember that this gift will also not always be there for us. None of us can escape the truth in Ecclesiastes 3:2; there is ‘a time to be born, and a time to die’ (ESV).
Understand and evaluate where you need to cut back in order to give more of yourself to things that truly matter. God is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). He gave us the gift of time, and we will account for how we spent it. When we come to the end of our lives, we all want to hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 5:21, ESV).
If you had only a year to live, what would you do in that year? I imagine you would have no time for time-wasting activities! So let’s live like people who make the most of their time. Live with purpose, doing exactly what God calls you to do in whatever season you may be. Make the most of each opportunity presented to you for the glory of God.
I can think of no better example than the apostle Paul, who lived a purposeful life and wisely spent his time. Philippians 3:13-14 reveals the commitment he had toward fulfilling his purpose and using his time wisely to do what Christ told him to do: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus“
Take some time to evaluate whether there is anything you need to cut back on. Where does your focus lie? Can you commit to living by this statement made by David?: “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” (Psalm 101:3, ESV). Again, what are you doing with your time? As you answer this question and evaluate where changes may need to be made, remember 1 Corinthians 6:12, ESV: “All things are lawful for me, but not all are helpful.”
We have a lot of liberty and freedom in Christ, but take time to understand the things in your life that are not helpful—areas where you are wasting time—and make changes! Replace them with more valuable items that will glorify God. Shalom.
