Jonathan Edwards on Why Every Moment Matters
Jonathan Edwards rarely wasted words and sought never to treat time lightly. In his sermon “The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It” (Works of Jonathan Edwards, ed. Edward Hickman, London: William Ball, 1834, II:233-236), he reflects on why every moment in this life is of inestimable worth. In this sermon, Edwards is expounding Ephesians 5:15-16:
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
Time is a divine gift and stewardship—a brief and sacred trust given to men for eternal ends.
Edwards gives four reasons why time is so precious.
1. Because Eternity Depends on It
“Time,” Edwards writes, “is precious because a happy or miserable eternity depends upon it.” (II:235)
He continues, “Hence it is that time is so exceedingly precious, because by it we have opportunity of escaping everlasting misery, and of obtaining everlasting blessedness and glory.” (II:233)
What we do with time shapes our eternal condition. Every moment becomes an opportunity either to glorify God or to squander His grace in His very face. God has graciously afforded men time. There is time to talk about the gospel with our children, to proclaim the gospel to unregenerate men, and to urge men, women, and young people unto Christ. Don’t waste it.
If you read this and you don’t know Christ, repent and believe today!
2. Because It Is Short
Time is a precious commodity—and we have very little of it, especially when set beside eternity. Edwards writes, “The scarcity of any commodity occasions men to set a higher value upon it, especially if it be necessary and they cannot do without it.” (II:233)
Charles Spurgeon later echoed the same truth: “Compared with eternity, time, at the very longest, is but as a pin’s point.”
When we consider how brief our lives are and then set that beside the endlessness of eternity, it becomes almost unthinkable to waste even a single hour. God has given us so much time in this life, and it’s meager indeed when compared to eternity. You only have a short season with your church, your family, and your loved ones. The time you have been given to read and study the Scriptures is brief. You have a limited space to walk with the Lord and to grow in grace.
Time is precious. Make the most of your years, months, days, and minutes.
3. Because It Is Uncertain
“We know that it is very short,” Edwards says, “but we know not how short.” (II:234)
Time is precious because it is uncertain. We are finite and frail, and we do not know when we will die. How many years, months, days, and minutes do we have? The length of our days is certain in the sight of God, but uncertain in our own minds.
If you knew you only had the rest of the week, how would you seek the face of God? How would you pray? How would you sacrifice and love? We don’t know the day of our passing. Live fully for Christ now—in this very moment.
Because you are not sovereign, and the day of your death is appointed, do what you must now, as though you would depart tonight.
That very uncertainty is what makes time so valuable. It calls us to live with urgency, watchfulness, and gratitude. Don’t waste it.
4. Because It Can Never Be Recovered Once Lost
“When once it is gone, it is gone forever; no pains, no cost, will recover it.” (II:235)
There are many things that can be lost and then regained—money, possessions, or opportunity. Providence often allows for recovery. But time is different. Once spent, it is gone beyond recall. The waste of one hour is an eternal loss. It will never be offered to us again.
The loss of time is an absolute loss, in that it cannot be recovered. You never get the past moment back—it stays gone. Passing time is accumulating, and future time is diminishing. Utilize the time God has given for meaningful things. Weigh the significance of tasks, actions, words, and relationships, and act appropriately in light of the preciousness of every moment.
Conclusion
Jonathan Edwards helps us recover a sense of the weight and worth of every passing moment. Time is precious because it is the arena in which eternity is decided—the rarest of all gifts, uncertain in length, and utterly irretrievable once lost.
These truths are not meant to crush us with guilt or shame, but to stir us by grace—to live as those who know how short the day is, and how faithful our Redeemer is. The One who numbers our days has also redeemed them, and He teaches us to use them well for His name.
Therefore, the call is clear: Redeem the time. Live fully for Christ now.
Do not waste the brief hours God has given you. Use them wisely—for His glory and for your everlasting good.
