by Chris Steele

There are nearly twenty different sources in our house where we can go and see what time it is. We have a clock in every room (some have more than one). There is a clock on the stove, one on the microwave, another on the television, the computer, the stereo system, and also the DVD player. Once we leave the house there is no fear of losing track of the time, because there’s a clock in each vehicle and on our cell phones; not to mention some of us wear a watch for a quick glance at the hour, minute, or even the second. Time is important to us. After all, we have appointments to keep, schedules to maintain, and routines that demand our attention.

Paul wrote about some matters concerning our spiritual time clock in Romans 13:11-14. "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

The apostle said that it was time to wake up. We cannot accomplish good works if we are apathetic or indifferent. There is a sense of urgency in the gospel. People need to know about Jesus and his saving blood, and they need to know now! We cannot allow procrastination, laziness, or mixed up priorities to hinder our work. "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" (Proverbs 6:9). "Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger" (Proverbs 19:15).

Paul said that it is time to walk honestly or as becomes a Christian. In another place Paul wrote, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15, 16). We must live decently; doing those things that deserve honor and approval from God. We should work as though we are living in God’s daylight. Anything that is done in darkness is associated with evil.

We then are called upon to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. For those who are not yet Christians, it is imperative to obey the gospel as soon as possible. "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:15). For Christians, now is the time to make a more serious effort in the work of the cross. We cannot afford to occupy all of our time in making provisions for the flesh, to the neglect of our spiritual time clock.