“The wedding invitation card shows 9:00 hrs as the arrival time at church, but let’s wait abit, and go at 9:30 hrs because most people will not arrive at 9:00 hrs.” For the majority of us, this sounds familiar doesn’t it? Unfortunately, It not only applies to weddings but other social gatherings also except reporting for work and when travelling by plane or time bound buses where there is no luxury for poor time keeping.
The Bible presses a high premium on time. Firstly, our salvation was executed at the right time. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
Secondly, all that happens is ordained by God and happens at the appointed time; “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
We further see that the concept of time keeping runs deep in the Bible because in Genesis 24, the servant of Abraham was eager to fulfill his mission and return to his master by emphasising the importance of not delaying the fulfillment of his task after God’s blessing. “But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” (Genesis 24:56)
In the book of Ephesians 5, the Bible teaches believers to reddem the time, which means to make the best use of it; “Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
We are also taught to “number our days” and be mindful about the brevity of human life;
“So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Above all that has been said, the Bible teaches what the top priority for humanity is and gives us the answer in Matthew 6. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). This means we should invest our time and energy in things that matter to God.
