How can we learn to value our time? Understanding the Importance of Time Time, from the earliest record of creation, is woven into the fabric of human existence. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), which sets the stage for all temporal events that follow. The structure of days, seasons, and years (Genesis 1:14) reminds us that time is part of a design intended for purposeful living. One of the most direct expressions of this truth comes from Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.” These words reveal that time should be cherished and managed carefully, prompting us to recognize our limited lifespan and seek true wisdom in how we spend our days. Life’s Brevity and the Call to Reflection Throughout the Scriptures, a constant theme emphasizes how quickly life passes. In James 4:14, we read, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Our experience confirms that each passing day slips by swiftly. Because life is short, we are urged to consider how we invest our energy and attention. A historical parallel can be drawn from numerous accounts of ancient civilizations—like the rediscovery of Nineveh’s ruins in the mid-19th century—demonstrating once-grand cultures that crumbled into dust, confirming how temporal human achievements can be. Archaeological findings, such as the ruins at Jericho, exemplify how centuries pass, nations rise and fall, yet the account of those events in Scripture remains accurate and enduring. This contrast points to the reality that our time on earth is finite. Redeeming the Time Ephesians 5:15–16 admonishes, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Redeeming the time involves a serious self-assessment of our daily habits and priorities. It highlights the call to be purposeful in activities that yield eternal significance. In a behavioral sense, carefully stewarding time involves goal-setting, self-discipline, and the deliberate shaping of one’s routines. Even in modern psychology, research suggests that clearly defined goals lead to more focused and meaningful use of our hours. Aligning such practical wisdom with the exhortation to be wise in how we walk offers clarity: our values should guide our schedules, not the other way around. Biblical Stewardship and Accountability Scripture also teaches that we are accountable for how we manage our gifts—including our time. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the servants were entrusted with resources and held responsible for making profitable use of them. This principle extends to our hours and days. Being faithful in small tasks reflects an understanding that we serve a Creator who calls us to live purposefully. Archaeological and textual evidence supports the reliability of such teachings. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, discovered in the mid-20th century, substantiate the faithful transmission of biblical texts like Isaiah—where we read consistently about God’s sovereign dealings with humanity. This consistency underscores that from ancient times to now, the scriptural call to intentional living remains solid and trustworthy. Wisdom in Planning and Balance A practical dimension of valuing time emerges when considering how to balance various aspects of life. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proper planning is scriptural, yet there must be room for divine direction. Recognizing our dependence on God helps guard against overcommitment, stress, or neglect of essential priorities. In a young-earth perspective, the genealogies found in Genesis (chapters 5 and 11) anchor us to the notion that human history is not endlessly ancient but has a specific starting point and direction. Geological examples—like rapid sedimentation observed near Mt. St. Helens—have been cited by some to illustrate how significant geological formations can develop quickly, aligning with a shorter timeline. While such details speak to a designed creation, they also remind us that the Creator who designed the world also incentivizes us to place high value on every fleeting moment. Spiritual Focus: Prioritizing What Matters Valuing time ultimately means giving our attention to what endures. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). This counsel invites us to evaluate pursuits in light of eternity. Our relationships, character, and devotion matter far beyond temporal gains. Historical documentation—including Roman accounts of early Christian communities—reveals that believers in the past lived with a forward-looking focus, confident in a future shaped by the resurrection of Christ. Their daily routines, shaped by the hope of eternal life, bear witness to the transforming effect of a perspective that treasures each moment as an opportunity to serve a higher calling. Practical Suggestions for Valuing Time 1. Daily Reflection and Prayer: Start each day by seeking guidance. “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved” (Proverbs 16:3). Taking a few quiet minutes in focus and meditation sets the tone for intentional living. 2. Prioritize Commitments: Make a list of responsibilities and dreams. Consider which ones have eternal or long-term value versus those that are merely urgent. Focus on honoring commitments that align with spiritual growth, service to others, and overall well-being. 3. Schedule Wisely: While spontaneity has its place, planning your days helps avoid wasted hours. Practical tools—like creating a daily to-do list or a weekly calendar—support wise living. This mirrors the Scriptural principle of “not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). 4. Rest and Restoration: Even within a structured schedule, rest is essential. God instituted the Sabbath principle (Exodus 20:8–11), showing that proper rest honors Him and revitalizes us. Relaxation nurtures creativity, reflection, and better decision-making. 5. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Time invested in relationships yields lifelong rewards. Jesus Himself spent considerable time discipling a close group, underscoring the value of mentorship and fellowship (Mark 3:14). 6. Engage in Service: Volunteer or help those in need. Giving time freely cultivates compassion and aligns with the instruction to “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). Serving reminds us that our time is purposeful when it expresses kindness and concern. 7. Evaluate Periodically: Regularly pause and review how you have used the last week or month. Pray for guidance, refine your priorities, and ask yourself which activities drew you closer to fulfilling your life’s primary purpose. Eternal Perspective and Purpose At the core of valuing our time lies an eternal perspective: every step of our day is connected to something vastly greater than ourselves. Findings in fields like astronomy and microbiology continue to point to evidence of design—from the precise constants of the cosmos to the irreducible complexity seen in living cells—reinforcing the notion that life is intentional, not random. Looking to the resurrection of Christ, historical documentation in the Gospels (confirmed by thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts) provides a strong basis for trusting in promises that extend beyond this life. The empty tomb and the accounts of hundreds of eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) show that there is a reality beyond mere earthly pursuits. Recognizing this truth shapes our habits and compels us to make the most of the time we have now. Conclusion Learning to value our time is an ever-relevant pursuit. The brevity of life, the biblical call to stewardship, and the enduring witness of history and archaeology all converge to remind us that how we use our moments truly matters. With mindful planning, wise reflection, and a focus on what lasts forever, we can transform each day into an opportunity for growth, service, and purposeful living. As Psalm 90:12 guides: “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.” May every hour be lived with that prayer in mind and with the confidence that each day is a sacred trust. |
    |