Part 16 - A Christian perspective of time
A blog post by our former Ministry Apprentice, Andreas. Andreas is from Brazil and now lives in Birmingham.
Getting to know ourselves better and redeeming the time
“Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17
Brothers and sisters in Whitehaven, today I would like to meditate with you on the subject of our time. Younger people tend to think they have plenty of time while older people tend to think all their lives have already passed and there is nothing else to expect from the future. Don't worry - my intention is not to dictate how you should spend your time. A Norwegian friend used to say that time doesn't go away but is always approaching. We look forward. In the meantime the apostle Paul urges us to manage our time carefully in the letter to the Ephesians. Why so? Here are some tips:
1. So that we may be wise. Foolishness in biblical terms is not a person without good levels of mental health or intelligence, but those who don't reflect about their decisions; living irresponsibly. We are called to be prudent and build our houses on a firm rock that is Jesus (Mt 7:25) because storms will come (even virus-sized storms) and by this time our foundations will be tested. Take this time to help your neighbours in need, by intentionally developing a conversation on the purpose of life.
2. Because days are evil. Both the cultural pressure and your personal desires can mislead you through a tortuous path. My friend, this lockdown period we are living won’t create any new sinful desire in you. On the contrary it will only reveal your old tendencies and you can see them more clearly. See where your mind leads you when you’re bored. In Portuguese there is a saying “empty mind, devil’s factory” that represents how evil things can be worked out from our own mind. Take this time to evaluate yourself better, to examine your heart and see what your biggest temptations are. For instance, it could be egocentrism spending all time you have with personal indulgences or it could be idleness spending all time you have with futile activities.
3. Because we've got a holy vocation. Our vocational call is to know what the Lord’s will is. Our goal is different. Our means are different. What we seek is not something visible and touchable – that seems really strange to a materialistic world perspective. Take this ‘time out’ to search God’s heart. Conversion is a change of what gives you true pleasure. Enjoy the work of Jesus and His relationship with the Church today and delight in His words.
In other Bible versions we read “redeeming our time” in place of “making the most of every opportunity”. Jesus comes to redeem not only our souls from destruction but also to redeem every single area in our lives: university studies, parenthood and also our free time. Christianity gives a positive and hopeful concept of life and we are thankful for that because we know that is only possible through Jesus. The Lord keep you. My greetings from Birmingham.
Andreas Hense Jungklaus
Andreas Jungklaus, 01/04/2020