I frequently wish I had more time, don’t you? Yet, it is true that we all have the same amount, and it keeps marching on. The old proverb says, “Time and tide wait for no man.” As much as we might try (and advertisers try to convince us otherwise), we cannot stop the onset of time. That facial cream will not keep the wrinkles away forever. Exercise and a good diet will help, but old age and its ailments will set in nonetheless.
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon discussed “appointed time.” This does not refer to a divinely set course where every event is dictated by God. Rather, Solomon was making two observations about time.
First, time needs to be used wisely. Young people feel like they have an endless supply of it. Old people recognize they don’t have much left. However, all groups need to appreciate its value. Wasting time is a horrible practice because it can never be retrieved. Solomon said, “There is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good in one’s lifetime” (3:12). Be happy and productive! What a simple and powerful way of describing the wise use of time!
Second, time needs to be used appropriately. We’ll say “think before you act.” Certainly Solomon was saying the same thing. In addition, we’ll say regarding the athlete who jumps too soon or the politician who says the wrong thing, “His timing was off.” Solomon noted that God “has made everything appropriate in its time” (3:11). Before one launches out on a project or is about to say something, thought should come first. Is this the right time to do this? Say this? God has given us sufficient information in His Word so that we should be able to discern if now is the “right time.”
How much time do you have left? Only God knows the answer to that. Yet, one thing we do know. We need to use our time wisely and appropriately.
