Treating Time as an Ally, Not as an Adversary

For much of my life I’ve tended to regard time as an adversary. It either moves too fast or too slowly. When I was young, time seemed to move at snail’s pace. Now that I’m older, it advances like it’s racing on the German autobahn. “Tempus fugit” we’re told in Latin – time flies. But if we’re eagerly anticipating something, it still can’t pass quickly enough.

 

But time can be an ally. I’ve written before about resuming an old pastime, taking drum lessons. I decided instead of tapping my steering wheel while listening to music on the radio, I’d get real drums again to entertain myself. However, I realized I needed some lessons to remove the rust and sharpen my latent skills. 

 

Watching videos of professional drummers and marveling at their skills, I wondered how they could play so fast. The answer, I’ve discovered, is threefold. Most of them have innate talent and ability beyond anything I possess. Then there’s technique, learning how to do various rudiments properly. The adage, ”Practice makes perfect,” is only partly true. It’s better stated, “Perfect practice makes perfect.” You can’t learn how to do things right if you always practice doing them wrong.

 

But there’s a third element to skill and expertise, whether it’s playing drums or any other worthy pursuit in life: TIME. Without exception, the greatest drummers through the years merged talent and technique with time to excel at their craft. Those still performing, as well as icons remembered from the past, all invested countless hours over many years to develop into celebrated percussionists.

 

In case you’re not into drums and about to lose interest, my point is that to excel at anything – being a teacher, surgeon, athlete, salesperson, zookeeper, law enforcement officer, architect, author, artist, entrepreneur, or chef – takes a combination of talent, technique…and time.

 

Since it’s still early in the year, some of us might yet be thinking about trying to grow spiritually. ‘How can I grow closer to the Lord? How can I enhance my understanding and mastery of the Scriptures? What does it take to truly become a man or woman of God?’ 

 

In this case, it doesn’t require talent. Intellect and education may be helpful, but they aren’t prerequisites for a flourishing, fruitful faith. God loves “childlike faith.” And there are many “techniques” available to promote spiritual growth. Christian publishers have generated countless millions in revenue through books offering myriad perspectives on that topic. Basically, whatever works for you. 

 

But the one non-negotiable for spiritual growth is time. Way back in 1981, my family and I moved to Chattanooga, Tenn. where I would become publications director for CBMC, a ministry to people in the marketplace. I was a relatively new believer then, so whenever I attended a Bible study or conference, I was like a sponge, soaking up everything I heard and learned.

 

I interacted with mature believers who seemed to know the Bible backwards and forward. For virtually any topic, they could quickly turn to applicable Scripture passages. They did this without being prideful or showy; they simply knew the Word of God.

 

‘Will I ever have a command of the Scriptures like that? I don’t think so.’ And yet, more than 40 years later, here I am writing a blog about what the Bible has to say about everyday issues. I edited a Christian magazine for 17 years, and have been blessed to write and edit a number of books related to the practical value of biblical truth for everyday life.

 

I wouldn’t dare compare myself with the many folks who became my spiritual heroes, but over time I began to grow consistently in my faith and my grasp of the Scriptures. That’s been the key: time.

 

Time in the Word, reading and studying it every day whenever possible. Time meditating on Bible passages and seeking to commit them to memory – “hiding them in my heart,” as the psalmist writes in Psalm 119:11. Time reading quality books by trusted Christian authors. Time sitting under the teaching and preaching of gifted church leaders. Time meeting with other committed believers, serving as “iron sharpening iron,” as Proverbs 27:17 teaches.

 

Three brief passages from the apostle Paul’s second letter to his protégé Timothy speak to this. Paul explains the proper motivation: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

In another passage he underscores the importance of striving to understand and apply what the Bible teaches: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

And the third concerns engaging with others about God’s Word and helping them to pass its truth on to others: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).

So, is spiritual growth one of your heart’s desires for the new year? Take your time!