A Right View of Time
“I need more time.”
“I’m feeling pressured for time.”
“I wish I had more time.”
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably said one or two of these this week— maybe even more than once in a single day.The truth is time is something we almost always want more of. Yet Scripture reminds us that our days have been divinely determined. And no amount of preserving, stretching, or maximizing can alter this. That’s why a right view of time matters. It helps us see it for what it truly is—a treasured gift to be used wisely, intentionally, and purposefully.
Tim McGraw’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning song Live Like You Were Dying speaks to this truth. Its poignant lyrics resonated with multitudes. Why? Because its sobering message—to live presently, embrace life’s moments, and make time count—is relevant to us all. And the good news is this: unlike the person portrayed in the song, we don’t have to wait until we receive a life‑threatening diagnosis to adopt a right view of time. We can choose to live with that kind of clarity and purpose now. And this is exactly how Jesus lived every day of His life—with intention, focus, and unwavering purpose.
During Lent
As we are now in the Lenten season reflecting on Jesus’ final days, I am struck by this overwhelming truth: His last days were lived just like every other day of His life—on purpose and with purpose. In Jesus we see someone who was fully aware of time, yet not ruled by it. And this takes on even greater significance when considering He knew full well what He would face: betrayal by a friend, denial by another, rejection by the crowds, arrest, mocking, crucifixion, and worst of all, the abandonment and loneliness He experienced on the cross.
This is more than I can wrap my head and heart around. In His humanity, I imagine Jesus felt the weight of it too. Yet even in this, He determined to make every minute count for the benefit of others and the glory of God. This reality becomes even clearer as His final days drew to a close, giving us a vivid picture of what a right view of time looks like in practice.
The following snapshots from Scripture give us just a small picture of all Jesus was doing in His final days. These snapshots include:
Teaching—In synagogues, on hillsides, in grain fields, around tables. Whenever the opportunity arose, and even when it didn’t, Jesus taught truth with compassion and clarity.
Healing—Restoring bodies, minds, and spirits; lifting burdens; freeing the oppressed.
Training His disciples—Preparing them to carry His mission forward long after He returned to the Father.
Praying—To His Father, for His disciples, over Jerusalem, in a garden, and even from the cross.
Serving—Washing dusty feet, breaking bread, pouring out His life in quiet, humble acts of love.
Surrendering—Laying down His rights as King, choosing obedience over comfort, yielding Himself fully to the Father’s will.
Forgiving—Speaking mercy over His enemies and extending grace to the thief beside Him.
Caring—Entrusting His mother to John’s care, even in the agony of crucifixion.
Releasing His Spirit—Not as a victim of circumstance, but willingly, purposefully, and in perfect submission.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means as the apostle John reminds us that Jesus did many other things not recorded in Scripture (John 21:25). Yet the point is not to provide a precise list of Jesus’ activity in His final days. Instead, it is to highlight this fact: He lived every moment—right up to His final breath—fully aware of the time He’d been given and using it to glorify God and serve others. He loved His Father with His whole heart. He loved people with His whole life. He revealed the Kingdom. He proclaimed the Gospel. And, as His followers, He invites us to live in the same way—the way Jesus did.
So today let’s embrace the time we’ve been given, recognizing it for what it is: a sacred trust and a priceless resource. Let’s maximize our moments, the big and the small, for God‑sized purposes. Let’s also commit to being present in our daily moments, making time for what is most important. And finally, let’s continually lean into the Spirit’s wisdom to direct, lead, and even interrupt and realign the time we’ve been given. As we do, we’ll find ourselves living with fewer regrets, authentic joy, true peace, and greater purpose—all shaped by a holy, reverent, right view of time.
Pray
Father God, Thank you for the gift of time. I understand it is a priceless treasure, a valued resource, and an entrusted responsibility. Please help me to maximize my moments by living presently, purposefully and by making the most of every God-given opportunity you provide.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Reflect
In what ways might viewing time as a priceless gift help you live more presently, purposefully, and peacefully?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!
