Time, A Precious Gift

For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to time. From the creation story through the Epistles, the value of time is referred to again and again. Scripture speaks of appropriate times, of using time well, and of being prepared for coming events.

Time is truly a precious commodity, possibly our most precious. In the old stewardship trinity of time, talent, and treasure, it may hold greater value than even the most costly treasure. We can earn or be given more treasure. We can develop new talents. But the time we have is all we have. It is a limited commodity, which gives it a great value.

As much as the church needs “treasure” to function, it needs the time of its members just as much, if not more. We serve Christ in the mission of the church by dedicating time to the work of the church in the world. We give time to the various ministries available through our parish or in our everyday lives.

Sometimes well-intended, faithful, people will attempt to substitute financial contribution (treasure) for their contribution of time. We are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure, not substituting one for another. Often it is harder to give time than money. That makes the contribution of time an even dearer gift.

Plus, we have a deep need to focus our entire being on Christ by doing what he would have us do in the limited time allotted as our lives on earth. God created every one of us to carry out his plan for his creation and for each of us individually. We were not blessed with life just to take care of ourselves. Our stewardship is of all of God’s creation. We literally tune God out when we use our time only as we want to as opposed to as God wants us to.