Clocks have been around a long time, but the way we use clocks today is a more recent development. The first mechanical clocks had a specific purpose: to help people structure their days in ways that were faithful to God. The Middle English word clok comes from the Dutch and German words for bell.

Back in the Middle Ages, a clock that did not sound a bell was not considered a clock. That is why there were bells on churches–to call people to worship God. Bells reminded people to be faithful to the God who is faithful to them. 

Time belongs to God. But as people who make selfish choices (sin), we can live like our time belongs to us, and not to God. When we choose to spend our time doing selfish things, things that only benefit us, we are stealing time from God. Time is a gift from God, and we can use our time to show our love for God by serving others.

Pray today that God would make you more mindful of how you use your time. Psalm 31:14-15

Question to Ponder:
Swinton writes, “We have become people who think we have to fit God in rather than fit in with what God is doing” p. 30. What are some ways that we try to fit God into our schedule? How can we make better choices?
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This week’s devotions are adapted for intergenerational use from the book, Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship by John Swinton. Baylor University Press, Waco. 2016.