A few days ago I hosted a meeting at my home where we sang worship songs, reflected on some Bible truth, shared about ourselves with each other and enjoyed supper. Nearly an hour after the scheduled closing time someone checked the time and realised how late it was. They said, “I had no idea time had gone so fast.”
That’s also true in the bigger scale, where months and years of our life can slip by almost unnoticed. It’s not that we’re asleep. We are busy doing things, meeting challenges, filling our days and nights with various activities. Yet we can lose track of the passing of time.
Those times when we suddenly realise how much time has passed are good times for reflection. It reminds us that we only have a short while on this planet. After that we get to stand before God and account for what we have done with our life.
“It is appointed to men to die once, and after that to face judgement:” Hebrews 9:27
Death came on all humanity when Adam ate forbidden fruit. God’s curse came on Adam, and transfers to all his descendants.
“In the sweat of your face you will eat bread, until you return to the ground; for you were taken out of it: for you are dust, and back to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19
I have noticed how people seem to be most productive when they have to meet a deadline. The impending date stops them wasting so much time and keeps pulling them back to the task they have to complete. So, keep in mind that you have a deadline – with emphasis on the word ‘dead’.
And, whether you like it or not, that deadline approaches quickly, because Time Flies. As one man put it, “I looked around and found I was already an old man.” It is quipped that, “Old age is the most unexpected thing in life.”
However, I’m not wanting to focus on old age here, but the opportunity that time gives you. Your childhood speeds through quickly. Your years at school are limited. Your youth doesn’t last. Your babies grow up quickly. Your husband or wife ages soon enough. Your dreams only have a few decades to be pursued. Your energy will not always be available.
With that realisation in mind we are advised to be diligent. Seasons come and go. There are times that are suited to some things and times that are suited to the opposite outcomes, as Solomon explained.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time of birth and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Ecclesiastes 3:1,2
Wise people recognise the importance of making the most of the moment. The Bible calls this ‘redeeming the time’, as in getting full value out of it.
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15,16
Wise people know to be diligent, rather than wasting time and opportunities.
“Lazy, slothful people don’t even cook what they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.” Proverbs 12:27
In life, then, diligent people advance while those who waste their time end up in limited circumstances.
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Proverbs 10:4
“The lazy person wants things but gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent person is fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4
Let me remind you that Time Flies. So make the most of the opportunities God gives you. Most importantly, make the most of the opportunity to know God, and to live by faith in Christ, loving God, living as Christ instructs, being active in church and ministry to others, praying, worshipping, witnessing, instructing others, and allowing the power of God to impact you and impact others through you.
Make the most of the time you have with those you love. Your marriage can be better, and you can be a greater blessing to your children and extended family. You can build better relationships and you can appreciate and enjoy your connections more than you do. If you only take time to be more attentive to those things.
You can find more of God’s peace and blessing too, if you would only focus more of your time and life on God and the wonderful streams of His blessing.
You can bless more people, if you only take the time to notice the needs around you.
You can enjoy greater contentment and satisfaction, as you give more of your cares to God, rather than burying yourself in your own efforts to get ahead.
There is a time for everything, and this time, this season in which you are alive on the earth, is the time of choice. The time to choose to live for God with all that is within you and to enjoy the wonders of God in your life, every day and in every situation.
I urge you to make those things your life’s focus, and to keep in mind that Time Flies.
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