What Time Is It Where You Are?

Skype is really shrinking the world in real time. More and more people can talk "face to face" over the Internet - either on their computers or now on their iPhones. What used to seem like a long way away is now literally in your face. We can often access one another instantaneously, but we need to be mindful or each other's space and time. When I want to talk with friends in the Middle East I must be aware that they are operating in a world that is 7 hours ahead of mine. It may be 10am where I am and "feel" appropriate for me to say, "Good morning." However, for them it's 5pm. They may be heading home for dinner - a "Good morning" doesn't connect well with them. And when I speak with friends in California, I have to realize they are 3 hours behind me. I would do well not to try to "face-to-face" them too early in the morning.

In this new global community we can easily "come together" even when we are in different places and times. So, we need to be mindful of each other's settings and needs. One word is not appropriate for everyone. It needs to be rightly fitted and applied to each situation.

Ecclesiastes 3 states that there is an appropriate time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. There is a time for birth and a time for death; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to cry and a time to laugh; a time to embrace and a time to refrain; a time to speak and a time to be silent.

What time is it where you are living? Is it an up time or a down time? Is it a time to push or a time to rest? It is very important to learn to rightly discern your time and place. It is not always the same time! Are you able to receive signals from your soul and body, and recognize clues from people around you to help you understand your own personal times? Are you able to go beyond yourself and help others with their own discernment process?

Wisdom is the application of God's truth in the right time and place. This kind of wisdom is hugely important - it serves as a compass, directing our activities and words. It's about truth, but it's also about timing. A timely word/insight is of great value. (Proverbs 15:23)

If it's been a while since you looked at your own personal "life-watch" to see what time it is, you might want to schedule a break to consider this with God. And, when you consider your friends or family or work mates - think and pray about what time it is for them, and act accordingly. You will notice that your words will carry more authority and have increasing impact as you grow in this practice.

Wanting to be on time with you,
Pastor Tom
tgrifith@rolcboston.org

What Time Is It Where You Are?

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