Stewards of Time

It doesn’t matter how much money you have, where you are from, what color you are, or what your job is, we all have the same amount of time. You can’t buy or borrow more time from others, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to change how much time you have in a day.

So, if we’ve been given a specific amount of time, then we must be intentional and wise with how we use the time God gives us. Just like everything else in our life, we will give an account  for how we spend our time (Romans 14:12). In Ephesians 4:15-16 we are instructed: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

Knowing that our time on earth is a vapor (James 4:14), let us consider how we spend our days and be careful not to waste time. Using our time wisely does not necessarily mean turning into a busybody, as rest and enjoyment are gifts from the Lord. However, let us be careful that we are not taking a blessing from the Lord and turning it into a meaningless time-waster.

For example, I enjoy watching TV. I like to rest from a busy day by watching a funny sitcom or well-done documentary. These times can be restful and even quality time spent with my wife. However, TV can easily turn into a time-waster if I’m not careful. Hours can be spent in front of the TV while neglecting quality time with family, spiritual disciplines, or other responsibilities. For you, it may not be TV, but it could be some other hobby given too much priority in your day.

Knowing if we are wasting time can be difficult. Scripture doesn’t tell us how much TV is too much or give us a time limit for our hobbies. As we consider these things, it will come down to seeking wisdom through prayer and God’s Word. It will require us being honest with ourselves as to how we are spending our time and asking God if we are honoring him every moment.