One of the greatest gifts God has given us is time. Time is life. There is no living without it. Originally we were created to live outside of time, but our rebellion against God led to us being bound by the limits of time as we now know it (Genesis 2:16-17). We will all die (Hebrews 9:27), and so we must all maximize the time we have been given to further the mission of Christ and to build the Kingdom of God.
This is why each of us was created, and it is the will of God for each of our lives. The trouble is, few live as if time were indeed limited. We dream of somedays and plan for next year. Rarely do we focus on what is most important right here and right now. Knowing the clock is ticking, I have to ask, why are you wasting time?
One thing is certain: we will never have more time than we have right now. Each of us has at this moment all the time there is. At this very second, we possess all the time we are guaranteed. Tomorrow is unknown. The next minute cannot be assured. All we have is this moment. How will you choose to spend it?
In the classic little book, “How to Live on 24 Hours a Day”, Arnold Bennet writes: “You cannot draw on the future. Impossible to get into debt! You can only waste the passing moment. You cannot waste to-morrow; it is kept for you. You cannot waste the next hour; it is kept for you.” The next breath you breathe is an extraordinary gift, but only if we choose not to waste it.
Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow but to focus only on today (Matthew 6:25-34, James 4:13-16). He knew our propensity for big dreams and big plans. He also knows our dreams and plans are too small. They are self-centered, short-sighted, and ultimately futile. He wants us to live lives of significance, lives that bring glory to God. When we are focused on the future, we lose sight of what is right in front of us. Only when we are awake and aware enough to notice the needs and opportunities surrounding us will we be able to spend our time wisely. We have been created with specific work to do (Ephesians 2:10). We must not squander the present by dreaming of a future that may never arrive.
Are you wasting time? One sure test is to see if you are seizing each moment and repurposing it for building God’s Kingdom. It is impossible to be too obsessed with Jesus. The more we focus on Him, the more time becomes irrelevant because every second is wrapped up in He who exists outside of time. To walk like Jesus requires you to live fully in every moment. Drink deeply of the love, blessings, and opportunities that cross your path. Life will not always be happy or convenient. There will be days when we’ve had enough. Recognize that even the bad times are still full of time, full of opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom. Never let a moment escape uncaptured. Are you wasting time?