Webster's dictionary defines "time" as the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues. One can boldly and wrongly say that time is on his side, thinking he will live many years, and then suffer a fatal heart attack that same day. So when we think of time, we should think of it as a gift from God. My times are in Your hand (Psalm 31:15a, NKJV). Then we can use the time that God has given us for His glory. If we do, then we can truly say that time is on our side, no matter if we expire that night.
How will you use the time that God has given you in 2026? Are there some things you do now that, in retrospect, are a waste of time? The thing about time is that we do not know how much of it we have left. A rich man thought that he had many years ahead of him. God called a fool (Luke 12:16-21). Therefore, it is certainly unwise to think we have a lot of time at our disposal. If we make up our minds to do away with what wastes our time, and do things that redeem the time, then that is wise. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
What might be some time wasters in your life? Might it be time spent on social media? Make no mistake, social media can be used for God's glory. But it can also take time away from your family, who deserves your attention. Social media can be addictive, as many news stories inform us. Therefore, Christians ought to be extra careful how much time he or she spends on it and honestly assess if he is becoming addicted to it and wasting time on it.
Other things we can do that waste time are: Sleep too much - Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread (Proverbs 20:13); Meddle in other people's affairs - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11); Worry about matters - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:34).
What are things you might do this year that is not a waste of time? Certainly, spending time in the Scriptures is well worth it - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Also, time spent in prayer is strengthening - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). You can take time to help others in need: I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35); and to be with your family - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25).
If you can look back on 2025 and think of things you wish you could have done, or more importantly, the things you should have done in accordance with God's will, then please make every effort to do those things in 2026. Repent of wasting time. Will you put time on your side?
Brotherly, Jamie
