What Time Is It?

Time is a popular word. We use it everyday. “What time is it? It’s time to begin. What time are we supposed to be there? Will they be on time?” On and on it goes.

You probably remember these familiar snippets from scripture:

“Today is the day of salvation. There is a time for everything. Today, if you will hear his voice. Choose you this day whom you will serve. This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. And do this understanding the present time.”

Of all people on earth, Christians should live with a responsible sense of time and what to do with it. A familiar pop song says “Time keeps on slipp’n, slipp’n, slipp’n into the future.” We can say it a thousand different ways. As the old hymn reminds, “Time is filled with swift transition.” Our world rushes on. We live by moments. We have experiences. We live from event to event. Week follows week.

Psalm 90 is a poignant reminder of man’s mortality and God’s eternality.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

As the psalmist underscores the truth about our mortality and the sober reflection about life that such invites he concludes with this plea:

“So teach us to number our days that we may present them to you in wisdom. And do confirm the work of our hands.”

What a powerful reminder! We are called to do something for God with our “moments”.

Life is a stewardship. As such time becomes more than something that is simply used. Reframing it as a stewardship ushers in a new perspective. It compels us to think about what we do with our moments. We ask helpful questions. Listen a little longer. Deliver an unexpected act of kindness. Look past faddish ideas, news saturation and insignificant trivia and fix our attention on ways to be helpful, productive, encouraging and hopeful. We see ourselves as seed planters and bridge-builders. We are ambassadors and priests.

We are salt and light. Paul reminds us:

“Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking

advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. (Eph. 5:15-17)

Lots of people spend time talking about “when” Christ will return. Jesus was more interested in what we do with our moments of time. We seize moments in anticipation of the time when all things will be made new. We see people as spiritual beings. We dismiss grudges with greater speed. We expose ourselves to the Word so that we can sharpen our minds and equip our hearts with a “word of knowledge and wisdom. And, everyday, by the grace of God, we rise and look forward to living our moments in worship to the One who gives us those same moments for His honor and the blessing of others.

Gracious Father, we thank you for giving us life. We openly confess that is in You that we live, move and exist. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of what You do each day in the lives of people all over the world. Thank you for putting us in moments of all kinds to be your hands, feet, mouth and ears. Bless us with the wisdom and understanding to discern your calling each day. We want to be instruments in your hands so that others may know the blessing of your mercy, grace and calling. Thank you for Jesus who broke into human experience in the fullness of time that we might know what time is all about. Through Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and End, we thank you and offer this prayer. Amen.

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas