The “Times” of Life

Continuing with our study of Ecclesiastes:

Eccl. 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

This set of verses provides a window into Solomon’s mind as he processes thoughts of the contrasting events that make up one’s life. He understands that there is a right time and a wrong time for the things we do. All the actions/events listed make up the span of one’s life between birth and death, a time Pastor Bob refers to as your “hyphen” (1929 – 1999).

It is especially important for the Christian to realize that God’s timing is always the right timing, and the believer can be sure that everything that happens in his/her life is determined/allowed by God for good.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

When we choose to leave God out of the equation in these processes, we are asking for trouble. More and more today through the advances in technology we are trying to override God’s established natural processes.

I think it is important to note that some of the negatives in life are necessary to the appreciation of its blessings. Some of the negatives are actually beneficial to us; e.g., weeping is part of the healing process of mourning.

The reference to there being a proper time for embracing and for refraining from embracing jumped out to me in light of today’s culture of loose morals. We have come to the point that it is considered infringing upon the “rights” of others to expect them to refrain from the public display of sin. We call it “art” or “entertainment” to justify public display of nudity and sex. It’s called smart business to prey upon the lusts of the flesh in advertising.

Knowing when to speak and when to stay silent are very important to the testimony of the Christian. Scripture is very clear on the importance of controlling the tongue.

Psalms 39:1 “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”

Proverbs 21:23 “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

James 3:5-6 “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”