Procrastination is the thief of time
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV2013),
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil.” Verse 16 of this reference is worded in the
NLT as, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” So redeeming
the time is an admonition to use time wisely, avoid wasting time, and simply
put, make every minute count. There is a sense of urgency embedded in the
phrase, “redeeming the time.”
Time redemption in our present world is important,
because we have an impermanent world; it will not go on forever, and each day
that passes brings us closer to the end of it. The end can mean many different
things: death, poor health, limitations
brought on by advancing age, and of course, the return of the Lord. Any and all of these
will automatically end our ability to be productive. For this reason, whatever
we need to accomplish in this life has to occur within a particular time frame,
which is when we are capable, because there will come a time when we will be
incapable. King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes has this to say: “Whatever
your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you
are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom”
(Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV84).
Also, our responsible use of time should benefit
others. What if, by the time we are done digging in our heels, and consequently
wasting time, these people are no longer able to benefit, because they’ve
experienced life-altering circumstances like death, dementia, and the like? We
would have lost the opportunity to minister or be a blessing to them.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a local nursing
home with the bell choir from my church. The nursing home staff brought the
residents to an auditorium for the visit. Most of them were in wheelchairs.
Some paid attention and participated, but others didn’t. I was saddened as I
looked at them and thought to myself, “There are both Christians and
non-Christians in this group.” No matter what they believed, their productive
years are behind them. For the unbelievers, how many had turned their backs on
the gospel in their younger years, and would they understand and accept it now?
For the believers, how many seized every opportunity in their vibrant years to
serve God? If they hadn’t in the past, it seemed almost too late.
This is our time to work diligently, because the
Scripture says, “Night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4NIV84). We need
to be redeeming the time now, when we are not confined to hospital beds, wheelchairs,
oxygen tanks, and the like. If the Lord tarries, many will likely find
themselves in that situation: with lots of time, but without the ability to
serve in a meaningful way, their gifts and talents dormant.
Also, when we see Jesus face to face, there will be
accountability regarding how faithfully, diligently, and responsibly we’ve used
our talents, abilities, gifts, and opportunities. What do you think God will
say to you then? Will He say, “Well done, my faithful servant! “or will He say,
“You slothful servant”? What will you
say about yourself at the end? Will you be able to agree with the apostle Paul,
who confidently said at the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I
have finished the race, and I have remained faithful And now the prize awaits
me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give
me on the day of his return” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT2013)?
So what are your
plans, and when will you start making every minute of your life count? The old
adage says, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Let’s not procrastinate any
longer, because time is short. Let’s redeem the time!
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