The Forgotten Value of Time

“You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

The daily struggle of the Christian is to use his twenty-four hours to the glory of God and the advancement of Jesus’ kingdom. In the use of our time, more than in most anything, it is necessary to walk by faith, rather than sight. Our sight entices us with many insignificant and trivial diversions that waste time and sap our spiritual effectiveness. Faith, however, calls us to view our moments as divine gifts to be stewarded, and our time as a living sacrifice to be poured out on the altar.

First, then, it is important to see the value of even the smallest moments. We often ignore these moments, because individually they are so small. If you are constantly dropping dimes out of your pocket, you may not think that it matters, because the coin is so small that it cannot buy anything. To pick up just one would be a waste of time – but to pick up all of them could save you a considerable sum of money over time. Our lives are filled with many random moments: individually they are insignificant, but combined they represent whole days. Rather than ignoring and wasting these moments, how can you steward them to the glory of God?

Second, discipline yourself to do what you enjoy. This probably sounds odd, and certainly not what we commonly hear. We are told to find work that we enjoy, and when we have found our life’s passion, it will come effortlessly. This is unrealistic, so I propose a different solution. Devote yourself to worthwhile projects that you enjoy. Make sure that you are doing work of actual value. Then, discipline yourself to do it. Do not imagine that because you enjoy it, you no longer need discipline. Your flesh – with the world and the devil – will constantly try to divert you from anything useful, no matter how enjoyable. This requires resolve on your part. Discipline yourself to do what you enjoy – something that is truly useful, that glorifies God, and that serves other people.

Third, remember the brevity of time. This reflection will help you to use each day well. Consider how much of your life is already over. Consider that when time is past, you can never get it back. Consider that you are the servant of God, and that he will demand an exact accounting of all the time that he has entrusted to you.