Time Gap

Do you wish you had more free time? You’re not alone. And the difference between the free time you have and the free time you want is your time gap.

A Pew Research Social Trends poll showed that Americans’ top choice from a list of life's priorities was “having enough time to do the things you want.” Some two-thirds (68%) of the self-identified middle class said that free time was very important to them, more than anything else on the list. And that list included having children (62%), a successful career (59%), marriage (55%), a religious life (53%), and donating to charity or doing volunteer work (52%).

Amazingly, having free time was much more important than even being wealthy. Wealth was rated as very important by just 12 percent of the middle class.

Now hold on just a minute! Free time is more important than money? How can that be?

The way you answer that question identifies your generation. Time priorities have changed drastically compared to thirty years ago. It’s the new generation gap.

An old proverb says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” But today’s generation isn’t so much interested in saving time as they are in spending it on what THEY want to do. That’s the key.

However, doing what you want to do all the time isn’t as fulfilling as some people may think.

A privileged few have the option to pursue whatever their heart desires. But satisfaction is just as elusive for them as it is for us ordinary folks.

One of those privileged few, King Solomon, wrote about it in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes.

By most accounts Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest man in his world. He pursued politics, public works projects, the arts, the sciences, wisdom, pleasure, riches—you name it.

He thought a great deal about time, too. He mentions it 41 times in his small book.

But Solomon’s opinion is very disturbing: “Everything is meaningless.” Wow. Bummer.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “Not if I did it!” Some of you have your “Bucket List” of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” And you’re well on your way to finishing it.

OK, what if you accomplish everything on your list—what then? “I’ll be satisfied.” Really?

Take the time to read Solomon’s conclusions. He disagreed. Solomon observed that we’re wired to pursue purpose in life--to make our lives count for something. But most things we do don’t have much of an impact on this world. Then we die and are forgotten.

Solomon discovered that true satisfaction comes in pleasing God and enjoying life’s journey.

He also notes that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” Belief in life after this life seems to be a universal feature of the human race.

Solomon’s advice? Pursue God while you are young. Listen for him to speak to you. Keep the promises you’ve made to him. Fear God and obey him. Remember it is God alone who gives the ability to enjoy life and be happy.

God does want us to enjoy life. That’s why he sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sin. And when we accept God’s free gift of forgiveness in Christ, our guilt is gone. For the first time we can focus on serving him and others. Our lives can then make a difference for eternity.

The real time gap is the difference between what we do for self and what we do for God.

If you truly want to live an amazing life, read the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. If you keep on reading and follow Jesus, you won’t have to worry about a time gap.

The Bible says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!