Like those tiny grains of sand in yesteryear's hour-glass, the days of our lives soon pass. One of the most amazing aspects of life as we approach the dawning of the twenty-first century is the fact that no matter how many "time saving devices" we surround ourselves with, we still don't have enough time. Why is that?
Most people can make time to do whatever they really want to do. It may mean spending less time on the phone, or even having someone else intercept our phone messages. We may postpone appointments that are not urgent, or in some cases we may forego them altogether. If we are determined, we can make time for ourselves or our family, or for some special event. When was the last time we made time for God or His service?
Ecclesiastes, reveals "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Leading off the list of those variables that take place within the realm of time we find, "A time to be born, and a time to die." They appear as two bookends, a beginning and an ending, an entrance and an exit. We know where the one was placed, it is linked with the day of our entrance into this world and realm of time, and we mark it with each passing birthday. One day, the other one will also be in place (Hebrews 9:27). We are aware of that, but we do not know exactly when that will happen, or at what stage in our life, whether spring, summer, fall, or winter (James 4:13-15). Earth-life, or our allotment of time, is found between those two events. What shall we do with that time between life and death?
Jesus declared, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, NKJ). In the text immediately before that, Jesus had addressed man's concerns about his physical well being, his concern over food, clothing, and his physical body. He was not denying the fact that these things are important, but rather was trying to impress upon his audience, and us, that all of those things are but fleeting, passing, ever changing aspects of our earthly existence. Like time itself, our desires for certain things pass (Ecclesiastes 12:1); styles change and so do those other external things that so often occupy our time. Jesus is admonishing us to prioritize our efforts. He want us to include God in our planning, to be concerned about matters that affect our character, our daily conduct, and our goals. In a world that is ever-changing, there are some eternal principles in which we can share. Jesus calls upon us to give them first place on our list of important things to do.
God's kingdom describes the relationship that exists between Christ as the king, and those who submit to His will (Colossians 1:9-13). "His righteousness" points us to His plan of righteousness, revealed in the gospel (Romans 1:16-17; 10:1-3). It alone can show us how to be "right in the sight of God", or to be "righteous" even "as He is righteous" (I John 3:7).
Time devoted to spiritual pursuits, whether worship assemblies, Bible studies, prayer, association with other Christians, or trying to reach others with the message of Christ, is time well spent. One day time will run out, and we will stand before God in judgment (Romans 2:6). How will we account for our time then? Suggesting that "we were too busy" or "that we didn't have the time", won't buy time in that day. Prepare today!