Time is not a Commodity
…It is a gift from God which needs to be stewarded Wisely!
Scripture tells us that there is a time for everything – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…” and the list goes on.
There is a reason why most successful people agree that time is their most valuable asset. WHY? Because once it’s gone it cannot be replaced, it’s gone forever. Unlike material things, if you lose your watch, your car, your house these can be replaced but time can’t You can even earn money but you can’t earn more time. Unfortunately, most of us undervalue the time we have been given and sadly we waste it by putting others’ needs ahead of our own, which is why it is important to make sure that we steward our time well.
Firstly How do you define time?
Time is the progression of events from the past into the future. Time moves only in one direction. It’s possible to move forward in time but never backward.
Secondly what is the most important time?
Well the most important time is ‘Now’. Too many have said, “if only had spent more time with the people dear to me, spouse, children, grandchildren, family members, friends or giving the time to the things that would have given me a better return, such as education, training and personal development. Also many regret so many missed opportunities, I have said so often over the years “ the opportunity of a lifetime must be taken during the life of the opportunity”, so make sure that if they are good opportunities you don’t miss them!
Yes, time is very precious and we should not waste it in any way. We can earn the money we spend but we cannot get back the time that we waste. So this makes time more valuable than money, hence we should utilise the time in the most effective way possible to produce much fruit that will last.
Here are some principles that we need to know about time if we are to use it effectively:
1. Time is not infinite
Although time is a gift from God, this gift of time is not infinite it is limited. None of us know how long will we be here on this earth, therefore let’s make sure that we are good stewards of this valuable gift that God has given us and make it count. Paul in Colossians 4:5 gives this advice, “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.”
2. Time is valuable
A famous Bible verse Psalm 90:12 should become our prayer “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart”. Remember your time here on earth is very short measured against the whole of eternity. May God help us to be wise in the way we use our time.
Time plays a significant role in each one of our lives. Time helps us form a good habit of structuring and organising our daily activities. If we could understand better the real value of time we would gain experience and develop skills over time as an investment for our future. Time is the most valuable resource that God has given us because you cannot take it back.
3. Time is to be used intentionally, wisely
God calls us to be wise about the usage of our time and wants us to use it in intentional ways, in line with the purpose that we have been created for. Paul in Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” So be wise in managing your time in line with God’s will for your life.
In conclusion: We are all invited not to take our time here on earth for granted but to use it to build up God’s kingdom. God is calling all of us to not squander the gift of time but to recognise its limit and its value and let’s be deliberate in how we use it to make a real difference for His glory.
Therefore let us all make the precious time He gives you count for His purposes!
By David L’Herroux – UCB UK
