The Nature of Time: Is it Changing and Shifting?
This week I have been reflecting on how the nature of time, in my own life, seems to be changing and shifting. This could be due to the fact that I am heading towards 60 and I realise that I may not have too many more years left on this earth. Or it could be that there is something monumental happening in the spiritual realms, the effects of which are filtering through into our natural world. The nature of time is that it is a man-made concept - God exists outside of time. To me, the changing nature of time - the sense that time is shifting and passing much more quickly - could be an indication that the barriers between man and God are dissolving, as the return of Jesus appears closer than ever before.
The Book of Matthew, Chapter 24, gives us some fascinating insights into what signs proclaim our Lord's return - for example, wars, famines, earthquakes, the emergence of false prophets and the gospel being preached in all the world - yet Scripture tells us that we cannot know the exact time that Jesus will come back. We also cannot take for granted the fact that our Lord could come back at any time, especially since these end time events are happening in our fallen world more and more every day.
This changing nature of time also lends a sense of transient fragility around daily events. Things do not seem as "real" or concrete as they once were. An event will occur and as soon as it finishes it seems as though it is instantly swept away and in its place is a sense that a great deal of time has passed. For example, this morning I went to our womens ministry morning in my church. Now, as I write this blog at 8.03 pm in the evening, the events of this morning seem as though they happened a long time ago. It seems as though way more than a few hours have passed; more like days! The memory of this morning - so sweet and full of fellowship and worship - seems long gone. So much has happened today since then. So much seems to happen now within the space of each day. It seems to me that there is a quickening now - a sense of urgency impressed upon me that time is short and there is much to do in order to glorify God and accomplish His purpose for my life.
What is the Perfect Day?
To this end, I have been thinking about what the perfect day - as in the day spent most honoring to Jesus - could look like for me. What actions would I take to spend a day in the most productive way, the way in which God is best glorified? First of all, having joy in all circumstances as per the Book of Philippians, no matter what events transpire during the day. Secondly, it would mean being aware of my thoughts and doing my best that my thoughts are honouring to the Lord. It would mean doing my best to take memories and difficulties as they arise to the Cross - that there is repentance for my own actions and forgiveness of the actions of others. There would be prayer, praise and worship. On a physical level, I would ensure that I have done some exercise, eaten right and drunk enough water, in line with what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1. I would ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate my Bible reading and I would do some writing. I would look for opportunities to serve others and to spread the gospel message. I would spend time with loved ones and make sure they know how much I love them.
This type of day is so satisfying to me and living my day like this would deepen my relationship with Jesus so much. Sadly, this type of day is not, for one reason or another (for example, excuses, distractions, doubts, fears and the busyness of life), nearly as common as I would like it to be. Yet the process of reflecting on this type of day being so satisfying gives me a resolve to put in place an action plan - in accordance with guidance from the Holy Spirit - and then ask our Lord to help give me the discipline I require to carry this out. For I get so easily distracted! A day that is honoring to our Lord means I constantly need His help to stay on purpose, to keep pressing toward the goal for His upward call on my life.
Therefore my encouragement for you today is that you start to get excited about what your perfect day, spent honouring our awesome and mighty God, might look like. Knowing He could come back at any time, what preparations can you make in anticipation of this, knowing how much you would want to please Him?
God bless you!
Scriptures:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only".
Philippians 3:14: I press toward the goal for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Mark 16:15: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
(Scriptures taken from the New Spirit Filled Life Bible).
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