Time is of the Essence

Time. As a race, humanity has been captivated by the concept of time. In reality, how little we have of it on this earth. Throughout history, authors, poets, politicians, and world leaders have commented on it. Time is what we want most, but what we use worst (William Penn). Time and tide wait for no man (Geoffrey Chaucer).  Lost time is never found again (Benjamin Franklin). We’re constantly trying to find shortcuts. Faster ways to do this. Ways to save minutes in the day. It’s a race against time to achieve whatever the thing is you’re out to pursue. And our finite existence on this earth is often used in pursuit of something. Work, fame, money, happiness. Time is of the essence to get wherever we’re trying to go. It can be draining. Constantly trying to pursue the next achievement or bucket list. Fred the Dunkin Donut man showed the world the reality of what this looked like as he woke up at 4am every day in the still blackness of night to declare “it’s time to make the donuts.” But what if we were made for more? What if our lifetime was made for more than just the daily grind? Or the to do lists and a vacation every now and then.
When we received salvation and were adopted into the family of God, our purpose in life changed. [We were] called by name. Born and raised back to life again. [We were] made for more (Bethel Music, Made For More). We were given a new life with new priority. The time we have left on this earth are meant to be in pursuit of something else. Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians that salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:9-10 NLT).
As a believer, we’ve been made new with a purpose. Made new in order to do good work. To serve the kingdom of God with excitement and joy. It can feel like a lot sometimes because we’re still trying to be in control of the time. It’s a change in our mindset that our time is not our own. It belongs to the One that made us for more. To give of ourselves as a living sacrifice. That includes our schedules. 
It’s about time. How we use it. The author of Hebrews said it this way, therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God (Hebrews 13:15-16 NLT). We were called to more than a hamster that spins a wheel. We were called to serve the kingdom of God with joy and passion. Living for something that goes beyond the time we have left. To leave an impact on this world with eternity in mind. There is no better day to start than today. Time is of the essence.