The Time for Christ is Now!

We have bought into the idea that the busier you are, the more important your life is. A book, Time for Life (Pennsylvania State University Press, 1997), surveyed ten thousand people and found that, after tracking their true working hours, they actually worked fewer hours than they thought. The survey found that people tend to overstate the number of hours they work because it elevates their professional status, which elevates their imaged self-worth.

Another report from the “Americans’ Use of Time Project” at the University of Maryland (Los Angeles Times, December 11, 1996) agreed that there was a big gap between perception and reality in time use. If that’s so, then why does it feel as if there’s not a minute to spare?

The report concluded, “A culture that promotes instant gratification also helps explain why life seems more hectic than it is. ‘We want everything fast – fast food, eyeglasses in an hour, drive-through banking. Internally, we feel rushed. And the more rushed someone feels, the more they feel pressed for time.’” -Laura Schlessinger, The Ten Commandments: The Significance of God’s Laws in Everyday Life, pp. 96-97

The Bible devotes a great deal of attention to the study of time. In regards to the subject of time, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, "What time is it?" Our answers to this question may vary. But in reality, the answer is always the same: "The time is now!" 

"Now" is the time we have to live our lives, accomplish the Lord's will, and prepare ourselves for eternity. Let's look at a few examples...In 2 Corinthians 6:2, we are told that "now" is the accepted time for salvation. All things are ready (Galatians  4:4; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18, 24; Hebrews 9:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). "Now" may be the only time you have! (James 4:13-14).

In Romans 13:11-14, we are told that: "Now" is the time to awake out of sin (Romans 13:11). This does not refer to a natural sleep or the sleep of death, but to an awakening from moral sleep.  "Now" is the time to lay all sin aside (Romans 13:12) literally means to put off, or cast aside all sin and sinfulness. "Now" is the time to put your life on God's  side (Romans 13:12) is an allusion to the spiritual garb a Christian is to wear (See: Ephesians 6:13-17). 

"Now" is the time to walk properly (Romans 13:13) means the conduct of a Christian is to be decent and appropriate to his name and calling (Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 Timothy 3:14-15). "Now" is the time to put on Christ (Romans 13:14) is referring to how one clothes himself with Christ at baptism (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3), and that one also puts on Christ in righteous living (1 Peter 2:21). 

So, dear reader, if someone should ask you, "What time is it?" in regards to your belief and faith. Your response should be a resounding, "It is now, for now is the time to obey!"

Prayer: My Father, may I have an appreciation of the wonderful creations of the earth. Give me a discriminating eye, that I may know the precious things that thou art growing; and throughout my life may I love the beautiful, and choose that which will make my life worthy of growth. Amen.

May God always bless you!

Jean