"Think You’re Managing Time Well? Think Again—Here’s What You’re Missing..."

The Precious Gift of Time: A Call to Make It Holy

For Christian professionals, time can feel like both a friend and an enemy. Our schedules are packed, deadlines loom, and life’s demands seem relentless. Yet, at the same time, we often feel like there’s never enough time to accomplish all we hope for. But what if the true purpose of time isn’t about productivity or success? What if it’s about holiness?

Let’s explore how we can honor the sacred nature of time, elevating each moment as a precious gift from God.

Time: Creation’s First Gift

The Bible begins with a profound act: the creation of time. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Before there were stars, seas, or even light, there was the first beat of existence—time itself.

Unlike other elements of creation, time is not something we can store, repeat, or retrieve. Each breath, each tick of the clock, is unique and unrepeatable. As Christians, we are called to see time not as a commodity but as a sacred trust. The psalmist reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Saint John Chrysostom echoed this truth: “Time is a treasure which must be spent carefully, for it is entrusted to us by God.”

Each Moment: A Jewel Waiting to Be Discovered

Imagine each moment of your life as a raw, precious jewel. It arrives in your hands, asking to be noticed, cherished, and used for a holy purpose. Yet how often do we squander time? We rush through tasks, worry about tomorrow, or replay yesterday’s regrets.

Scientific studies affirm the fleeting nature of our attention. A Harvard study found that people spend nearly 47% of their waking hours lost in thought, often worrying or ruminating. This tendency contributes significantly to feelings of stress and unhappiness.

But Scripture offers a better way: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Living fully in the present is a spiritual discipline that honors the gift of time.

The Call to Make Time Holy

So, how do we elevate time and make it holy? Consider these practices:

1. Start Each Day with Gratitude
   When you wake up, pause to thank God for the gift of another day. A simple prayer, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), can set the tone for mindful living.

2. Use Time Intentionally
   Treat each moment as an opportunity to reflect God’s glory. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, prayer, or excellence in your work, view your time as a canvas to paint something beautiful.

3. Seek Balance
   Saint Benedict taught the importance of balancing prayer, work, and rest. Follow this principle by creating rhythms in your life that honor God and refresh your soul.

4. Be Fully Present
   Avoid the temptation to multitask your life away. Instead, focus entirely on what’s in front of you, whether it’s a project, a conversation, or a moment of rest. This practice reflects the love and attentiveness God shows to each of us.

A Sacred Mission

Ultimately, our mission as Christians is to sanctify time—to take the raw moments of life and transform them into offerings to God. This mission is not about perfection but about intention. As Saint Paul writes, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

The Eternal Perspective

Time will one day come to an end. Revelation tells us of a future when there will be no more ticking clocks or setting suns, only the eternal presence of God. Until that day, let us honor time as the precious, fleeting gift it is.

As you navigate the challenges and responsibilities of your professional life, remember this: Each moment is a chance to glorify God. Each day is an opportunity to reveal His love. And each breath is an invitation to make time holy.