TIME AND CHANCE

I don't make New Year's resolutions. Mostly because I think it is appropriate (and biblical) to take care of problems, weaknesses and sins when we recognize them, not put them off till the new year. Self examination is not something that the scriptures suggest we are to do only at the beginning of the year (II Cor. 13:5).

The wise man once said "time and chance" happens to all of us (Eccl. 9:11). Time was created by God as recorded in Genesis 1:14. The days and years come and go, and we have no way of knowing if they will be many or few, but time will end for each of us (Eccl. 3:2).

Time is something we all have now, but cannot save. Once each bit of time passes we will never have it to use again. For this reason we are instructed to "redeem the time",or make the best use of it (Eph. 5:16). We should pay close attention to our division of the days God gives us, especially the amount used in spiritual activities. Under the redemption of time is our speaking to, and the answering of others questionslp. "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.(Col.4:5,6). The necessary use of time in study enters here. You cannot speak or answer questions about that which you have not taken time to study.

Time comes without a guarantee. Most of us give little attention to that fact. Our life (time) on this globe is described as follows "You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath" (Psa. 39:5). Often, when a new year comes, we reflect on times past. Sometimes we agonize over failures that we cannot change, or losses we cannot regain. Paul also regretted some of his past decisions, but saw that God would allow him to learn from his mistakes, and move on to better things (Gal. 1:13-24). That is a good lesson for all of us to learn.

Time comes with warnings about its use. If we ignore the warnings we may make mistakes about our use of time, or fail to recognize how others are using it for wrong purposes. "But ye, beloved, remember ye the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; That they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts (Jude 1:17,18). Many use the time God gives them for evil, not good. "To the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:15,16). Let us determine to use our time fighting the evil that exist in our nation. Heed the warnings. In the last days perilous times will come (II Tim 3:1,13).

Time will end. Those things God set in order in Genesis 1:14 will cease. There will be no more seasons, days or years. Calendars, clocks and other instruments of tracking time will be gone. Time will end without warning when even the elements will be destroyed with intense heat (II Pet. 3:10). Concerning this event Peter ask a question that all men need to consider, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" (II Pet 3:11).

Everything we do or think involves time. It begins at birth and will end at death or at the return of Christ. How we use our period of time will have eternal consequences.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.(II Thess. 3:16)