The world is a scary place right now. It would be easy to spend time doom-scrolling through social media, reading about the latest political scandal, watching the news about current international conflict, and all the while deliberating if this is indeed a sign of the end times.
We could do that. Or we could do what I see so many wonderful Christians doing—redeeming the moments. Making the most of the opportunity. Not letting time slip away; instead redoubling our efforts to get Kingdom work done before Jesus comes back.
If we truly don’t have much time before Jesus comes back, shouldn’t we be doing double time to rescue friends and foes from impending eternal disaster?
This Present Danger
I think of a scene from Generations, one of the Star Trek movies. Yes, I’m a closet Trekie, especially the Next Gen variety. In the movie, the Enterprise is about to destruct. When the warp core blows, everything goes. But when it’s obvious the engineering staff can’t solve the warp core breach, chief engineer Geordi LaForge doesn’t freeze and analyze the problem or say, “Oh my, oh my, isn’t this terrible?” He springs into action, yelling at his team to move to safety before automatic doors seal off Engineering.
Have you heard of the psychological phrase “fight or flight” that describes our body’s instinctive reaction to imminent danger? I hear psychologists have added a third term.Freeze as danger paralyzes us from doing anything. Fight, flight, or freeze.
Someone has suggested we add a fourth option—we can train ourselves to spring into action to rescue those in harm’s way. Or, in my obsessed need to aliterate and be grammatically correct, we can fight, flee, freeze, or free.
Geordi used the final moments to bring others to freedom and safety.
How can we use the moments God has entrusted to us?
Ephesians 5:15,16 says,
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (NIV)
And Colossians 4:6 says,
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” (ESV)
Instead of becoming paralyzed with fear by what we see happening in our world, let’s use the time we have to save and strengthen those around us for Jesus.
You might think, “My moments are already so full. I can’t do one more thing!” I’m not suggesting you do more. I’m proposing we use wisdom in choosing what we do. God does not ask for our moments to be full. He wants our moments to be faithful.
What That Looks Like
Here’s a list of ways we can maximize our moments for Jesus:
- Rest well so you can work well.
- Look at your current choice of activities. Determine this: in the scheme of eternity, how important is this activity?
- Let go of comparisons. Do what you can do. Be the best you can be.
- Use every opportunity to speak encouragement, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness into the lives around you.
- Downsize the distractions and disruptions in your life.
- Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15).
- Invest in people, not things. Keep short accounts.
- Pray for the ministries you are passionate about.
I’m challenged.
I can spend my time brooding over problems—or I can pray. And I can use the urgency of Jesus’ impending return to do His work and, with His help, make His Kingdom strong.
It’s not merely what we do. It’s who we are. We need to make the most of each moment in living the righteous lives God has called us to live.
Yes, the world is full of evil. But that’s a sign of how desperately people need Jesus. By watching us, they will be able to see that belief in Christ does make a difference and there can be hope in something better than right now.
Let’s:
- Be more diligent and determined to shine His light into the darkness.
- Buy back the moments the world has stolen
- Prioritize our moments to portray and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
Together, let’s make every moment count for the sake of Jesus.
Other Posts from Karen
Who Needs a Good Word From You?
Faith Training: 3 Active Ways to Build Strong Faith in Jesus
Ending Bible Poverty: Proclaiming God’s Love in Any Language
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