What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received? Maybe it was a Christmas surprise, a family vacation, or even something as unexpected as a fish feeder that shoots food halfway across your pond (yes, that’s a real thing—and it’s awesome). But as amazing as those gifts may be, they don’t hold a candle to the one gift we all receive from God every single day: time.
We all know time is precious, but we rarely stop to consider just how valuable it is. Every day you wake up is a gift—86,400 seconds of opportunity. And unlike money or material things, time can’t be saved for later. You can’t store it, you can’t rewind it, and you certainly can’t get more of it once it’s gone. You only get to use it.
🎁 Time: A Gift from God
The Bible reminds us that “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). That means today is no accident. If you’re breathing, it’s because God gave you breath. The clock started ticking the moment you were born, and only He knows when it will stop.
In Job 14:5, we’re told that our days are “determined” by God. We each have a beginning and an end. You can think of your life like a timeline—with a starting dot (your birth) and an ending dot (your death). Everything in between? That’s the line. That’s your life. And how you use it matters more than you might realize.
⏳ Chronos & Kairos: Two Views of Time
The Bible talks about time in two distinct ways:
Chronos refers to chronological time—a measurable span, like a season of life.
Kairos refers to the right moment, an opportunity—a divine window when something meaningful can happen.
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15–16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In other words, redeem the time. Don’t waste it. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.
🔄 Lessons from Life’s Seasons
Life happens in seasons—childhood, marriage, parenting, empty-nesting, retirement. Each season brings its own set of opportunities, relationships, and responsibilities. But in every season, the question remains the same: How are you using your time?
Even Solomon—the wisest man to ever live—said in Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything… a time to work, a time to rest, a time to build, a time to tear down.” Whether you're in the busy middle or the restful later years, don't forget the relational parts of life. Time spent building friendships, strengthening family ties, or investing in someone else spiritually is never wasted.
🚫 Wasted Time vs. Redeemed Time
Some people squander time with distractions or selfish pursuits. Others hoard it like they do money—rarely giving any to those in need. Still others, like the man in Luke 12 who built bigger barns just to store more stuff, misused time by chasing temporary things. Jesus called that kind of living foolish.
Instead, we’re called to invest our time—to use it for God, for good, and for others. Got a skill? Use it to bless someone. Got a car, a home, or a few extra minutes? Use them to help. Build relationships, encourage someone, teach a child, call your parents, pray with a friend.
💡 Three Final Truths About Time
Time is a gift. It comes from God, and He can stop the clock at any moment. Be grateful for each day you’re given.
Time is now. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. All you truly have is today—right now.
Time is the most valuable thing you can give. More than money or talent, time is how you show what really matters to you.
💬 Final Thought: Commit Your Time
Commitment makes the difference. Whether in marriage, ministry, parenting, or faith—it's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
So here’s the big question: What are you doing with the time you’ve been given? Are you hoarding it, wasting it, or investing it for God’s glory?
Time is life’s greatest gift—right behind salvation in Christ. And speaking of that: Have you received the greatest gift of all? Jesus gave His life so you could have eternal life. He’s not just the giver of time—He’s the giver of eternity.
Make today count.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
