The Influence of Time
Always running.
Last week I shared that some of my most meaningful influences are people from the past — and those who have more recently passed away. Today, I conclude this series and write about the influence of time.
Time is a constant influence in my life. I have always been deeply aware of the passing of time and of my own finitude. That awareness has driven me to God, leading me to entrust my days—my entire life—to him.
God is sovereign over time. He governs everything from centuries and decades to minutes and seconds. As Christians, we trust that God is in control while faithfully stewarding the time he has given us.
Here is what that stewardship looks like on a practical level in my own life:
I know that my time is limited, but I don’t know when it will end. God alone numbers my days. So I live by planning as much as I can without presuming upon God.
I cherish the time I have with my family. Jess and I have watched each other grow, and we are grateful to continue growing together. When it comes to our kids, we do our best to enjoy each stage of their lives and make the most of the moments we’ve been given.
When it comes to ministry, I trust that God has given me both the resources and the time to do what he has called me to do in service to him. As a layman, I seek to serve faithfully, trusting God to produce the growth.
I am grateful for the time God gives me with friends. I’ve learned to accept that friends come and go. I can be thankful for each season of friendship and look forward to enjoying their fellowship again in God’s presence.
In my personal pursuits—my hobbies and entertainment—I have learned to be intentional about how I spend my time. There isn’t enough time for everything, so I set goals and do my best to work toward them under God’s guidance.
Time has been one of God’s greatest influences in my life. It continually reminds me that my days are numbered, my opportunities are temporary, and every moment is a gift to be stewarded for his glory.
Making Sense of Creation and Fall: How Themes in Genesis 1-3 Help Us Understand the Bible, God, and Ourselves
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Setting aside disputes over creation, Vern Poythress unpacks the theological meaning of God’s acts of creation and his existing creation order. Learn to see the transcendent meaning in the material world.
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Endnotes
Giveaway and review: Gathered Today helps families grow stronger through simple, Scripture-centered tools for meaningful conversation and connection. These conversation cards from Gathered Today are a simple, strong, and strategic way to build up your family. They are excellent, refreshing, analog tools that helped me connect with my kids and connect them to Christ.
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