Time is an Illusion

James 4:13-5:11

“Time is an illusion, and lunchtime doubly so.” Douglas Adams coined that phrase in his book, Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy. The idea ponders the importance of the present as our friendly hitchhikers learn that there is no going back…only going forward. That’s a hard concept to come around to; living fully in the present. We tend to spend more time upset at the past version of ourselves because they left too much stuff for our future selves. James wasn’t laughing when he wrote our next passage – time was too important to leave to the future.

James, in his letter, has made no bones about it – the Jerusalem Christians were struggling. Time spent on the run, frustrated, scared, tired, and hungry because of the persecution brought on by Paul and his friends during the great dispersion has led to a bunch of weary travelers, undoubtedly wishing their past selves had more time to process this new life. As we have seen so far, James has been working to get them back in gear and focused on the life and message of Jesus. As he steams ahead towards the finish line, James hits them pretty deep with this idea of time – which is probably the last thing they want to hear, but it’s the thing they absolutely need to hear: This time is not your time. Every day is the Lord’s day. Each moment is given to work out His plan and purpose. We will see that time isn’t actually on your side.

Time is a Seductress

James starts by breaking down the idea of trust in tomorrow. We all do this without even thinking – tomorrow I’ve got to stop by the store, or next week we are counting on that extra day off. We trust that the future is guaranteed. With tomorrow always coming, we are lulled into passivity and procrastination. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? That’s a problem for future Phil to deal with. According to Forbes, 78% of workers procrastinate, despite the fact that it makes them anxious! And 99% of adults procrastinate about something. I think it’s safe to say there are plenty of procrastinators in this room now. James says that attitude is pride. Look at v14 – you don’t know what tomorrow will bring! And yet we procrastinate – about many things, but most tragically our spiritual relationship and responsibilities. I’ll talk to that guy tomorrow, or I’ll find time to pray over the weekend. Not doing what we know needs to be done is procrastination and it’s the problem James is attacking here. Each day is given to serve God’s purpose, so use each day to its fullest.

Time Turns the Tables

And we try to do that. We trust that the things we spend our time on will last. But there’s a reason we see public service commercials on TV that tell us no one on their death bed wishes they had spent more time at work. We put so much effort into building security and stability for the future that we forget that all of those things rust, corrode, and fade away. Money rusts and earthly treasure wastes away. Jesus said that himself in Matthew 7. If your focus is on getting to easy street, beware, because time will turn those tables on you and your bill will come due. Are you working for your glory or for His? Kingdom economics show us that we are to spend our time and efforts building His Kingdom and riches – that’s what will land us true and eternal security. What in your life will pass through the fire?

Time has a Purpose

Did you know that Bruce Lee died at 32 and yet his work spawned an entire genre of films? Time Mag even named him one of the most important people of the 20th century (Wikipedia). For his purposes, he certainly didn’t waste his time. If only that served our Creator! Our days are numbered, and it’s not under our power. We’re not the ones in control of this situation, it’s God. So James tells us to be patient and not to grumble; in other words, work today’s responsibilities today with a good attitude – or FOCUS! Instead, if we are trusting in Him instead of our own arrogance, we will be focused on today’s most important task—dependency on God and fulfillment of His mission.

Next Steps

If our focus is on God and His kingdom, we will be participating in kingdom-based activities, which all include the mission of making disciples who make disciples. That’s the point. Every day is the Lord’s day. Each moment is given to work out His plan and purpose. What can you do today?

1. Pray about how you can use your time for kingdom purposes
2. Give your time to people who need Jesus (who have you been investing in for the Kingdom? Is there something the church can do to help fulfill an outreach?)
3. Support our International Workers (have you prayed for them and gotten to know them?)

We are a people driven by the mission given to us in Mt 28:19-20. God gives us the time to accomplish what He has laid out for us. If you give God each day and seek the opportunities from Him for Kingdom building, then you are truly living each day to the fullest. Use your time wisely.