1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” A steward is one who cares for that which belongs to someone else. It must be understood that everything we have is a gift from God. We own nothing. It all belongs to Him. Therefore, we are stewards of what God has placed in our care. In the Garden of Eden, Adam was given stewardship over creation. God commanded Adam to tend to the garden and to take care of all that God had created on earth. Life itself is a precious gift. We are to be faithful stewards of the life that God has given us.

                One of the areas that we are to be stewards of is time. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to ‘redeem the time.’ We are to make good use of the time that we have. As we consider being good stewards of our time, there are several principles concerning time that we should understand.

                Time is a gift from God. When we think of time in relation to God, it must be noted that God is above time. He is not confined to the limits of time as you and I. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This is not an exact measurement of our time compared to God’s time. This is a principle. The point being made is that God does not operate on our timetable. He is above and beyond time and God will do as He wills in His time and in His way. God is the creator of time; therefore, He is not confined to the rules of time as we are. With God being the creator of time, it is understood that time is a gift from God. The purpose of this gift of time is for the benefit of mankind. Genesis 1:14 says, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons; and for days, and years.” Time is given to mankind as a measurement tool that enables him to be a good steward of God’s creation.

                Time is limited. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” The psalmist prayed that he would learn to make good use of this time because time is limited. Psalm 90:10 says, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength, labor, and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” This verse is not to be taken as an exact measurement. It is a principle observed by the writer. However, it is fairly accurate to what we observe today. A ‘score’ is twenty years. So, threescore and ten is seventy years. The average life expectancy is around 70 years and if you are blessed to live fourscore, which is eighty years, you are very blessed. It is said that as you get older, time goes by faster. This is so very true. Time is fleeting. This life as we know it is just a vapor. It is here for a moment and then it is gone. This is why it is so very important that we make good use of this gift of time. We don’t have a lot of time to live for the Lord in this life. Being good stewards of time is imperative due to the limits of time.

                Time is valuable. Ecclesiastes 8:5 says, “…a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgement.” A wise man will be careful in how he uses his time because he understands how valuable time is. Time is our most valuable asset. Franklin Field said, “The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words: I did not have time.” Time is a precious commodity. Too often we waste time on frivolous things. We waste time on things that have no real purpose. The most successful people in the world are those who have learned the value of time, and they know how to manage their time well. Much can be accomplished in a short amount of time. It is not the amount of time you have that is important, it is how you use that time.

                Time is sufficient. We cannot underestimate the sovereignty of God. He knows what He is doing. He gives each person adequate time to know Him. The time he gives us varies from one person to another, however, we can rest assured that the time we are given is sufficient. The real issue to consider is how you use your time. Are you a good steward of the time that God has given you? There are 168 hours in a week. Let’s say you get as much as 8 hours of sleep a day (which is rare for most people), that leaves you with 112 hours. Let’s say you work 50 hours a week. Now you have 62 hours. Of those 62 hours, let’s say you average 5 hours a day spending time with your family (which is not typical for most families). Now you have 27 hours for the week. Let’s say you spend ten hours a week doing chores at your house. That gives you 17 hours left. Suppose you are a mature Christian, and you spend 1 hour every day in personal Bible study and prayer. Now you have 10 hours. If you are faithful to going to church on average 5 hours a week, you still have 5 hours available for your own leisure. Remember, this is all from the perspective that you are sleeping 8 hours every day and working 50 hours every week! To really put things in perspective, out of the full 168 hours per week, with 5 spent at church and 7 spent in personal prayer and Bible study, that’s only 12 hours out of 168 that you are spending dedicated to your walk with the Lord. Don’t tell me you don’t have time to read your Bible and pray. Don’t tell me you don’t have time to go to church. Don’t tell me you don’t have time to spend with your family. The time that God has given you is certainly sufficient for everything you need and more. Get off the phone. Stop looking at social media every hour. Get off the couch. Budget your time. Use it wisely. As you budget your time you will find that there is plenty of time to do all that you need to do. The time that God has given us is sufficient.

                We must remind ourselves that our time does not belong to us. It is a gift from God. There is so much that you can accomplish for His Kingdom and His glory if you use your time wisely. It is also important to understand that we are to live missional lives. Your time at work is time to be used on mission for His Kingdom. Your time with your family is time to be used on mission for His Kingdom. It’s all about Him. It’s not your life to live however you please. Your life belongs to Jesus. Therefore, be a good steward of the time that God has given you and do all for His glory!