For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. (Ec 3:1-4)
Solomon writes a poetic section about the passage of time (Ec 3:1-8). There is a proper time for everything. Life is full of many wondrous experiences, and they each have their place. The passage of time also reminds us of our mortality. It lets us know how small we are in the grand scheme of things. It humbles us.
God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time, but he has also placed ignorance in the human heart so that people cannot discover what God has ordained, from the beginning to the end of their lives. (Ec 3:11)
Solomon sees the beauty in the balance and order God has ordained. He also sees the mystery of God's plan. Certainly, because we have been made in God's image, we have a sense of eternity that no other creature on earth possesses. But there also is a great mystery related to how our life will unfold. Throughout history man has embraced the eternal nature of the human soul. It’s almost unfathomable to think that we merely cease to exist when we die. Virtually all religions seek to answer this question. And these questions should guide how we live our lives.
I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live, and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God. (Ec 3:12-13)
Solomon's answer to the question of eternity is simple. Live in the present. There is great wisdom in this. Many people live in the past, or in the future. Living in the present is evidence of strong mental health. Jesus emphasized living for today as a cure for anxiety.
So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. (Mt 6:31-34)
Moses also comments on this topic in Psalm 90.
Yes, in your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday that quickly passes, or like one of the divisions of the nighttime. You bring their lives to an end and they “fall asleep.” In the morning they are like the grass that sprouts up; in the morning it glistens and sprouts up; at evening time it withers and dries up. (Ps 90:4-6)
Moses gives wise advice about our stewardship of time. He says to use each day wisely.
So teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely. (Ps 90:12)
None of us can add or subtract from the time God allots to us. But we can live each day to the fullest for the glory of God. We often waste time. We also allocate our time to the wrong things. We need rest and refreshment to recuperate from past challenges and prepare for future. We need balance to make sure our priorities are given proper attention. Above all we need to seek first the Kingdom of God and be a good steward of whatever time He gives us.
Questions to consider:
- How well do you manage your time?
- What’s the secret to keeping the balance between workaholism and laziness?
- In your opinion what’s the best way to invest your time for eternity?
Gloria
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