Time in Your Life

The lecture revolves around the value of time in a person’s life, and that life is nothing but a collection of times. Whoever wastes his time wastes his life. Time is a part of one’s lifetime, and once it passes it does not return, therefore it must be used wisely and consciously.

Time and Its Spiritual Responsibility

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that time is counted for a person before God according to how it is used in goodness, and in the relationship with God and serving others. Life is not measured by the length of years, but by its spiritual depth and by the fruit and blessing it carries.

The Depth of Time, Not Its Length

One single hour may be a cause of salvation or decisive change in a person’s life, as happened with many in the Holy Scripture. There are passing times that waste a whole lifetime, and short times that build a complete life. Therefore, the value is not in the quantity of time but in its quality and depth.

The Extended Life

The teaching points out that there are people whose lives extended after their death because they invested their time in what is beneficial and influential. Spiritual works, teaching, service, writings, and holy positions make a person’s life continue across generations.

Decisive Times

There are critical moments in a person’s life that completely change his path, such as a moment of repentance, a decision of consecration, or an honest session with oneself. These moments may last minutes, but they determine the destiny of a whole lifetime.

Holy Times

The teaching calls for dedicating holy times to the Lord: the first part of the day, the Lord’s Day, times of prayer, spiritual reading, self-examination, and good deeds. Time is not ours, because our life was purchased by Christ, and therefore it should all be used for His glory.

Warning Against Wasting Time

It warns against underestimating time or trying to “kill time,” because that means killing life itself. A mistake in one moment may cause long regret, therefore spiritual vigilance is necessary.

The Spiritual Message

The essential message is that time is a precious divine gift and a great spiritual responsibility. Let us make our times opportunities for depth, repentance, service, and union with God, so that our life may be fruitful and extended in impact.

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