Why Time is a Precious Gift from God: Using Our Time Wisely for His Glory

Why Time is a Precious Gift from God

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I don’t have enough time”? This is a common phrase that many of us have used at some point in our lives. However, have you ever stopped to consider that thinking or speaking this way might reflect poorly on God?

According to Prof. Bruce Hindmarsh, busyness is moral laziness because it is often a statement of our self-importance and an excuse to be inattentive to people. However, God has given us just enough time to do what we need to do moment by moment to respond to him. Every moment is a sacrament where time touches eternity, and there is exactly enough time to do what God has called us to do.

In this article, we will explore why time is a precious gift from God and how we can use it for his glory.

The Importance of Time in the Bible

Time is a recurring theme in the Bible, and it is often used to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and his plan for humanity.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we read:

“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, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Here, we see that time is not only a measure of our earthly existence but also a tool that God uses to accomplish his purposes.

In Psalm 90:12, the psalmist prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This verse encourages us to recognize the finite nature of our time on earth and to use it wisely.

Why Time is a Precious Gift from God

Time is a precious gift from God for several reasons:

1. Time is Limited

We are all given a finite amount of time on this earth. Every moment that passes is a moment that we will never get back. This is why it is so important to use our time wisely and to make the most of every opportunity that God gives us.

2. Time is a Resource

Time is a valuable resource that we can use for good or for evil. We can use our time to invest in our relationships with God and with others, or we can waste it on things that have no eternal significance.

3. Time is a Tool

God uses time as a tool to accomplish his purposes and to bring about his kingdom on earth. He has a plan for each of our lives, and he uses the time that we have been given to help us fulfill that plan.

How to Use Your Time for God’s Glory

Now that we understand the importance of time and why it is a precious gift from God, let’s take a look at how we can use our time for his glory:

1. Seek God First

Matthew 6:33 tells us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we make God our top priority, everything else falls into place. We can trust that he will give us the time and resources that we need to accomplish his will.

2. Use Your Time Wisely

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” We need to be intentional about how we use our time and make the most of every opportunity that God gives us.

3. Serve Others

Galatians 5:13 says, “serve one another humbly in love.” When we use our time to serve others, we are reflecting the love of Christ and fulfilling his command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

4. Rest in God’s Presence

Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” We need to take time to rest in God’s presence and allow him to refresh our souls. This will enable us to approach our tasks with renewed energy and focus.

5. Trust in God’s Timing

Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” We need to trust in God’s timing and have faith that he will give us the strength that we need to accomplish his will.

Conclusion

Time is a precious gift from God, and we need to use it wisely for his glory. By seeking God first, using our time wisely, serving others, resting in his presence, and trusting in his timing, we can make the most of the time that we have been given and fulfill his plan for our lives.

Remember, every moment is a sacrament where time touches eternity, and there is exactly enough time to do what God has called us to do. Let’s make the most of every opportunity that God gives us and use our time for his glory.