How many times have you heard someone say, “We’ve got all the time in the world?” Or how many times have you heard someone say, “Time is wasting! We’ve got to move now!” Time is probably our most valuable resource – it’s something we all spend liberally that we can never get back.
People often approach the concept of time differently – some of us have the propensity for taking things slow and easy. We don’t value the time we’ve been given and see no urgency in accomplishing all God has for us. Others of us want to get things done now and fail to see how our quick actions affect the long-term.
Romans 13:11 says, “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Paul is calling us to understand the present time, to wake up from our slumber, and use our time well. Not to rush into things without thinking, but to be wise in the way we use every minute we’ve been given because Jesus is coming soon. The time to reconcile with God and live in right relationship with him is not some time off in the distant future, but the time is now. As each day passes, we are closer and closer to eternity with Jesus and we need to live our lives in a way that demonstrates this truth.
In your prayer time today spend some time asking God these questions and reflecting on them-
1. Where have I lacked urgency in my relationship with God?
2. When has my slumber blinded my God-given mission here on earth?
3. How does my perspective of my priorities need to shift in order to more accurately reflect my understanding of the present time?