Giving Time Away

This time of year is often associated with generosity. With the holidays approaching, people think about charities they want to support. People wonder how they can help families in need. They think about gifts for loved ones. Giving is on peoples’ minds and (I think) it is a wonderful characteristic of the season.

Though our thoughts about generosity often center on money and material goods, there are other ways to be generous. There is more than check writing and gift giving.  According to the scriptures, God's people can be generous with their time.

In Paul’s epistle to the church in Ephesus, Paul writes, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time...” Paul instructs the church to use their time in a way that reflects Jesus’ redemptive work in their lives. That means there is a way that we can give generously of our time, in a way that honors God.

This is a great reminder when the holidays are in sight. Time is about to become scarce and, if we are not careful, time will fly by before we know it. We have to be intentional about reserving time so that we can be generous with it.

With that in mind, think and pray about how we might be more generous with your time this holiday season. Maybe say “no” to activities that suck up time while distracting us from Jesus. Say “yes” to activities that keep us focused on Jesus and the people Jesus loves. As you do, you will find blessings in the time of the holidays. You will also find that Christ is redeeming your time as you give it away.