The Importance of Time and Working Within It
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the value of time as it is a part of a person’s life. Time is not something external that can be wasted without effect, but it is a part of a person’s lifetime itself. Therefore, whoever wastes time is actually wasting a part of his life, and whoever does not value time does not value his life. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III also emphasizes that time that passes never returns again, therefore it must be used wisely in what benefits a person spiritually and practically.
The Spiritual Dimension of Time
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God gave humans time to be a means for building, spiritual growth, and serving others. Time can be a cause for goodness and building, and it can also be a cause of harm if it is misused. Therefore, he calls people to redeem the time and invest it in good works, because the days may carry trials or difficulties, and it is wise for a person to use time in what glorifies God and benefits people.
Biblical and Spiritual Examples of the Value of Time
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents examples from the Holy Bible and the lives of the saints that show how a few minutes may become a reason for salvation or a change in someone’s life. Moments of repentance or meeting with God have been the reason for great transformations in the lives of many people, such as turning someone toward a life of faith or service to God. He also mentions that some spiritual times such as prayer, meditation, and praise are holy times in which a person lives in communion with God and his spiritual life grows.
The Danger of Wasting Time
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III points out that some moments may waste a person’s entire life if they are used wrongly. A moment of weakness or a wrong decision may become the cause of long sorrow or lasting regret. Therefore, a person must be careful about how he uses his time and should avoid conversations, readings, or actions that waste time and harm spiritual life.
How a Person Can Benefit from Time
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III encourages people to invest their time in building their personality in all aspects. Time can be used for spiritual growth through prayer and meditation, for intellectual and cultural growth through reading and knowledge, and for serving others and helping people. He also advises that a person should dedicate time to examine himself, evaluate his life, and set a spiritual plan to follow.
The Spiritual Message of the Lecture
The central message is that time is a gift from God and a responsibility before Him. If time is used for goodness and spiritual building, it becomes a blessing for the person and for others. But if it is neglected or misused, it may become a cause of loss in life. Therefore, a person should live every moment with spiritual awareness and make his time fruitful and beneficial in serving God and people.
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