It's About TIME!
Looking at God’s Word there are a couple of ways that we see TIME referenced. There is the Greek root “Chronos” that is the tick-tock-you-don’t-stop time, days, years. This is the way most of us think about TIME. There is another word that is used, another way TIME is referenced, another way to think about it that just may bring new perspective. The word in Greek is “Kairos” and this reference to time is all about seasons and the right timing or God’s timing. We see this in the Apostle Paul’s writing to the church in Corinth:
And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”— 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NASB)
The “Kairos” of salvation has been brought into the “Chronos.” At just the right “Kairos” God saves us through Jesus Christ. Now, God gives us moments in TIME where He is at work in us and working through us. Have you said that was or this is a “God moment” before? These are the Kairos moments we recognize in TIME. The Kairos moments happen in the Chronos. We each only have so much Chronos: 24hrs, 1440 minutes, 86,400 seconds in a day. How we spend the “Chronos” we’ve been given is up to us as stewards. The TIME surely is a gift from God to do His work, which has been gifted for us to do according to His plan and purpose as seen in Galatians 6:
But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load. Galatians 6:4-5(NASB)
We have a work that has been given to us as God’s people to do, to be a part of the Kingdom of God here now on earth. How are we seeing that work accomplished in the “Chronos” of our life? We read further:
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8(NASB)
The “Chronos” opens the door for the “Kairos” to happen. The “Kairos” that God gives us can often be seen as “GOD MOMENTS” when He reveals and shows His grace and salvation. God uses us in the “Chronos” to accomplish the “Kairos” moments He has for our life and the lives of those He has intentionally surrounded us with. When we see and understand that it’s now Christ in us, we have the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us to be a part of or create Kairos moments. Although we may not always see the fruit of this Kairos moment we press on:
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:9-10(NASB)
May God change our perspective on TIME. May our focus be different as we understand what God seeks to do in us and through us. When we are in a “Kairos” moment where God shows up and shows off in TIME may we share it with others. God has given us TIME, a season, to share the love of Jesus with the world. How does that look within the context of your “Chronos?” The vocation you have and gifts and talents you have are all given for you by God. How are we using what God has allotted to us in the “Chronos” to bring the “Kairos” to those whom God has entrusted us with? Answering this question has the potential to change the way we do life. It returns us to love. How are we loving people in the TIME, “the Chronos,” we have been given so that God would bring the “Kairos” into their lives? God’s desire is for us to live in the Kairos of His grace as we embrace the salvation given to us in Jesus. Then be a part of creating Kairos moments for others to understand God’s love for them. We have an awesome reminder in Romans 13
Jesus is near and TIME is short. The days seem long but the years are short. By the grace of God may you create Kairos moments in the lives of the people around you as you share the love of Jesus with all people, especially those who are the household of faith. May we not grow weary or faint, knowing that our life is just a Kairos, a season of TIME given to us by God to live according to His purpose as we worship and live in His grace.
This blog is dedicated to my co-worker in Christ, my friend and fellow church planter Steve Benke who tragically left this world. Although we may not understand, to God be all glory. Steve understood the concept of Kairos and lived it out well in his life. Steve you will be missed, until we see you again in heaven.
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