What is one thing every human being with breath in their lungs has in common? The gift of time—if you are alive, you have time.

In college, I did my best to submit all my assignments on time. It would drive Emily up the wall that I submitted assignments at 11:58 pm when they were due by midnight. On one occasion, I remember watching a Vanderbilt football game while having an assignment due by midnight. The game began at 8:00 pm, and my idea was to watch the game and finish the assignment. When I went to submit the assignment, the system would not let me. I was so frustrated! It was only 11:10 pm…I mean, I was early! Then, Emily reminded me…you know Louisville is an hour ahead, right? 11:10 pm in Nashville is 12:10 am in Louisville. In other words, you are late. I cared more about Vanderbilt football than my school assignment.

Time is precious. It is a gift, and what we do with it matters. Yet so many kids and students are using phrases like… “If only I had enough time…” “I didn’t have time to do that!” “Do I HAVE to?!” When we get to the core issue, these things are simply another way of communicating, “That’s really not important to me.” Spiritually, it doesn’t get much better. Only half (52%) of born-again Christians say they did share the Gospel at least once this past year with someone with different beliefs, hoping they might accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

How you live reveals your priority.

Ephesians 5:15, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise…”

How can we help the next generation (and adults, for that matter) see what is most important to them? Consider these five areas…

  • Priorities: What do you say yes and no to? What or who do you allow to influence your life?
  • Relationships: How do you relate to people you like? How do you treat people you do not like?
  • Conversations: What do you think is funny? Why did you text that?
  • Leadership: Can you tell me why you handled it that way?
  • Adversity: How do you respond when things don’t go your way?

Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

Time presents opportunity, and opportunity offers impact.

Ephesians 5:16, “making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”

The days are becoming more and more evil, and it is becoming harder and harder to live a missional lifestyle. The NIV translates Ephesians 5:16 using the word “opportunity” (“…making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”)

We must steward the next generation so that they can spend their time well. As parents, we must model it. Remember, our kids and students will replicate what they see. The ESV Study Bible Notes says, “Wisdom is especially needed in an evil age where the pathway of holiness is not always immediately clear until one reflects upon God’s Word and discerns His holy will.”

Think about your last 24 hours. What did you get done? What did you not get done? What did you not get done that you should have gotten done? The things you make time for reveal what you are truly running after. We must model what it means to chase after the things of Jesus. If not, the world will continue to discipline the next generation.

Advancing the Kingdom of God is the goal.

Ephesians 5:17, “So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Ephesians 5:8-10, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— testing what is pleasing to the Lord.”

When you walk as children of the light, your eyes are fixed on Jesus. You adopt values that are different from the surrounding culture (CSB Study Bible Notes). Time is not the issue; what grips your heart is the issue.

Maybe ask your kids and students these questions:

  • Why do you spend time on the things you do?
  • If I asked “Johnny” (best friend) what is most important to you, what would he say?
  • What do you remember from church on Sunday? Did it cause you to live differently on Monday? (A typical, non-church day)

Colossians 3:1-2, “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

May we pray the object of the next generations’ affection will always be Jesus and His Kingdom?

Consider these questions…

  • What changes do you and your family need to make in your daily rhythms to make Jesus your primary focus?
  • What things in your life might be receiving too much attention besides Jesus?
  • How can you most reflect like Jesus?

Time is precious, and what we do with it matters.