Time is of the essence
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us,too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:2-5
As a believer and a follower of Christ, we are called to live our lives being always mindful of our conduct. Though Christians are ordinary people but because of their relationship with Christ, they are called to live extraordinary lives. This is why we are admonished by God through the Apostle Paul to live “wisely, making the most of our time.” There is a time to give verbal witness for Jesus Christ, and there is a time for our behavior to do the talking, a time to “put our money where our mouth is.” Francis of Assisi once said, “proclaim the gospel at all times, and if you must use words.” The key is to realize that through our behavior we are working in partnership with God, giving flesh and bones, visual expression to the reality of the gospel. As Paul admonished the believers in Colossae, he told them to “make the most of the time.” He used the word “Kairos” referring to time, which conveys a strategic, or fullness of moment. We know that Jesus’ first coming on this earth was to undo the power of sin and death. He accomplished this through His death on the cross. And He will come again to judge the living and the dead. While we are waiting for that day of His coming, He wants us to be involved in what He is doing. So in a sense, we are living in a “kairos” – a fullness of time, a strategic time. It is this awareness of the imminent coming of the Kingdom of God that gives us sense of urgency in our behavior. Every moral decision is important, every opportunity is important. When our words and our actions convey the unified message that Jesus is Lord, we are like the good steward in the parable Jesus told about a man who invests his talents wisely. Because we anticipate and are looking forward for the Master’s return, we devote ourselves to His work. When the master returns we will hear the words, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The task ahead is very challenging but we are not left without resources. This is why He is urging us to call on Him in prayer. We have to be diligent and devote time coming to His throne of grace. For the “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Be alert and watchful for the opportunity to tell others making plain the gospel.
Blessings,
