Time is precious.  Most would agree that we just do not have enough of it.  This is why we must use it wisely.  Paul points this out in the fifth chapter of Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)
¹⁵  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶  making the best use of the time because the days are evil.

Two Greek words are translated time in the New Testament.  One is Chronos and it denotes a space of time as revealed by a calendar.  It might be a day, month, or even a year, but it denotes a succession of time.  We get the English word chronology from this word.

The other word is Kairos.  It denotes, not a succession of time, but a fixed or definite time.  It is sometimes translated as opportunity.

Galatians 6:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

The word opportunity could be translated as time here, but opportunity is probably best because it is referring to a definite period or specific moment that affords us the chance to do something.  This is the word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:16 when exhorting us to make the best use of our time.  He is not just saying use the next chronological year of your life wisely; he is saying, take advantage of every opportunity you have to accomplish good in the Lord.  He is exhorting us to seize the moment.  Here is another place where Paul uses this same word.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
²  For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

To be the best Christians we can be, we must develop a “now” mindset.  Procrastination stops us from accomplishing all that we can in the Lord.  Whenever we put off opportunities to do something good, we often find that the opportunity does not present itself to us again.  We miss being a blessing to someone, and even being blessed ourselves, because we did not make the best use of our time.

Do you want to be a better, stronger, and more active Christian?  Then start putting forth the effort to be so right now.  Do you want to be a better soul-winner for Christ?  Then start looking for more opportunities to talk to others about Christ right now.   Do you want to be more active in the worship services of the local church to which you belong?  Then at the very next service speak to those in charge and tell them to sign you up.  Stop convincing yourself that someday you are going to do it.  More times than not “someday” never comes.

Think of how much stronger we would all be if we always made the best use of our time.  We would pray more.  We would probably study God’s Word more.  We would spend less time being idle and more time being active in doing the work of the Lord.  Jesus once said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day…” (John 9:4).  Let’s all determine to do this, and we will be making the best use of our time.            

As you wind down for the night, think about these things