Time Is a Thief!
2023 is upon us! Where did the year go? Seems like yesterday we were on the cusp of 2022.
For some, time seems to move so fast they are heard to say, “Time is a thief!”
Is time really a thief?
What is time stealing?
Time is a gift from God, owned by God, and superintended by God of which He created in the beginning (Genesis 1:1).
God is eternal and transcends time, so time has no bearing on Him.
Therefore, our responsibility is to steward the gift of time. If time is a thief, it’s because of the choices we make. God has given each of us the same amount of time to use each day, every hour, every month and every year. So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
If time “steals” our children, it might be because we chose to spend more time at work, getting an education, down at the gym or on the ball field, in our career or in ministry. These are good and needful things in life, but our children need time invested in them. They must have your undivided, selfless attention as you disciple and train them. Have fun with them; pray with them; date them; read a good book together, especially the Bible; listen to them while looking right in their eyes with your cell phone put away, enjoy a hobby with them, etc.
If time “steals” an opportunity, it might be because we are not walking in fellowship with the Spirit so we miss His promptings. It could also be due to scrolling aimlessly throughout the day on social media rather than engaging with people. Every day of your life is an opportunity to impact another life with the compassionate, caring, confronting, consoling, counseling heart of Christ. These people are at church, in the grocery store, at the check-out counter, at your work, in your home, living next door, passing you in the mall, etc. Since God gives each of us the same amount time each day, and He promises to lead us each day (Psalm 23; Proverbs 3:5-7; Philippians 1:6), then he will send that needy person along your path, and you will have time to minister to that heart.
If time “steals” our day, it may be due to improper time management. There’s the possibility of just being lax, lazy and/or sleeping in on a regular basis. Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Stewardship of time here comes with prayer and planning.
The truth is: time is NOT a thief.
Time is a gift to use for God’s glory, for the good of others and to steward in our life as the Spirit directs us.
Today, and in 2023, enjoy the gift of time. Use it wisely.
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Dale Cunningham is the pastor of Boones Creek Bible Church in Johnson City, TN. He blogs at From a Pastor’s Heart, we republish his material with permission.
Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash
So many helpful truths. One thing the Lord has brought to my attention is the importance of using “pockets of time” in such a way that they count for eternity. That makes a good prayer – asking God to help you do that.