It’s About Time {Free Tip-Ins}

Time.  Yesterday.  Today.  Forever.  Time is both finite and infinite and if you spend too much mental energy exploring all of the facets of time, your brain will start to hurt.  It's also a great equalizer.  We all have the same amount of it each day.  And how we choose to spend those 24 hours says a lot about our priorities.  Does the reminder of that fact encourage or convict you?  Let's explore these ideas a bit more, shall we?

Time is Finite

As mentioned, we are all given a set amount of time in each hour, day, week, month and year.  And time is linear.  One minute rolls right into the next without fail.  In American society (and I'm sure we are not the only one) we have a preoccupation with time.  We wear watches and set meetings and ask about “the time” consistently.  There are more modern conveniences at our fingertips than ever before in history and yet, we seem to have less “time”.

When we were in Uganda recently, and in other places around the world we have visited, time feels different. They have just as much or as little time as we do (obviously).  And yet, it seems like everything moves a little slower.  It seems like we have more “free time” there, even though the clocks don't tick any differently.  Yes, part of that is our lack of home responsibilities, but part of it is their choice.  Their priorities.  And it is beautiful.

How you choose to fill your finite time is what defines you.

Time is a Resource

We know this, right?  When we think of what we have of value to give, it comes down to money, talents, or time.  It's precious.  It's important. And it's a gift from God. (James 1:17).  The problem is NOT that we don't have enough time, not that God has somehow failed in His gift of time, but that we often have a wrong view of time.  We see it as a limitation to what WE want to do, instead of an opportunity to obey a sovereign God and do what HE wants us to do.

We offer this precious resource to so many things that it becomes overwhelming.  Many of these are good and necessary things… our families, our jobs, our friends, our work for the church and those in need.  But many of the things we give our time to are wasteful, if not downright harmful to our souls.

I'm not suggesting that your time can never be filled with recreation. In fact, that would not be good for you at all (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). I am suggesting that you take a close look at the finite hours you have been given, appraise how you are using them and consider making some adjustments.

Time is Infinite

And no, I'm not contradicting myself.  You see, your days are numbered on this Earth, but the end of your life does not mark the end of your time.  Your soul is eternal.  And you will live forever.  Either in the presence of the Most High God, or in separation from Him.

This is one way you are like your Creator.  He created you in His Image and He has no end.

In fact, he is completely outside of time. (John 1:1)

And this gives me comfort.  God is sovereign over time… and over my life.  I can choose to spend my finite life for His glory because I know that in doing so, I am satisfied now.  But most importantly, I will be glorified in His presence for the rest of my infinite days.

How does understanding this help you now?

When you catch a glimpse of the majesty of the God who was “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1) you can better see the wonder of the sacrifice of His Son.  And once you come to realize that His Son, Jesus, is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), you can better prioritize the time-exhausting day-to-day activities of your life.

His work on the cross will become more real to you.  You will be reminded that God sent His only Son to live a perfect life that you could not live and die a brutal death you totally deserved so that your sin could be traded in for His righteousness.

And when you trust in that Truth, you will crave more of Him. The time you spend at work or in play will be acts of worship. You will pray more and spend more of your precious time in His Word.   And you will find the joy and peace you desire.

Celebrate Time

So, let's enjoy the time we do have!  Let's live our lives with eternity in mind.  And let's love God and each other more fervently each and every day.

Download these free Tip-Ins and use them in your Bible or Journals.  They are designed to remind you to cherish the events of the past, revel in the moments of today and look forward with anticipation to what's in store for you tomorrow.

You can download these by clicking the image below or RIGHT HERE.

And take time for what is truly important today.

Jen

P.S. If you want a fun and practical way to add color to your Bible or journals, these Brand New printable Bible Tabs (Watercolor or Yellow Dots) are just what you need!