Redeeming the Time

Have you noticed how time conscious we are?  We are obsessed with time and I hear its buzz words everywhere I go.  Efficiency.  Organization.  Time management.  Multitasking.  The irony of it all is that we are trying to save time so that we can do more stuff.  I am reminded of the gerbil on the wheel or the person in a rocking chair—it doesn’t matter how long or how fast run, they’re going nowhere.

Isn’t that the way we feel about life?  When was the last time you had thought the following, “This is useless.”  “This is a waste of time.”  “What’s the purpose?”  “Why do I even bother?”  Why am I doing this?”  We can hear it in the expression, “Same old, same old.”

Sometimes we can fool ourselves into thinking that what we do is good, honorable, and worthy.  I think that is an ancient theme which has its roots in our desire for purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life.  However, in our quest for a meaningful life, we often come to a dead end.  The reason for this?  We are micromanaging our lives because we are short sighted.

Solomon came to the same conclusion.  In Ecclesiastes, after he pursued everything under the sun, he concluded that “everything is meaningless.”  This statement came from the wisest man in the world.

What Solomon says is depressing.  Part of me screams, “I don’t believe it!”  Yet, when I consider what Solomon says in the context of life, I have a sinking feeling of, “Yup, he’s right.”

Fortunately, that’s not all of what Solomon says and what makes him truly wise is his final statement: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”   (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

 The New Testament says it this way, redeem the time; Make the most of every opportunity; and yearn to hear, “Well done, My good and faithful servant!” His words will ring in our hearts for all eternity.