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. Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3,
verses 1-8.
This passage brings back memories of a Simon and
Garfunkel song, but this has a deeper meaning.
I think the song was popular for many reasons. It made us realize that there are various
stages in our lives and different reactions are appropriate, depending on the
occasion. I think this passage tells
Christians to be flexible, because God will help us handle whatever comes our
way. There are going to be births and
deaths, wars and peace, etc. How we
handle these sets the foundation for how other people, especially the younger
generation, handle the trials, tribulations and joys in their lives.
If we get depressed, drink, take drugs, yell at
others or mope around all day when we have troubles, what do you think our
children are going to do when they have problems in their lives? If we use times of joy to get involved in the
excesses of life, including eating, sex, drinking, drugs, etc., what do you
think our children are going to do when they have great joy? We need to make sure we handle situations in
ways that we would like our children to emulate under similar circumstances.
Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie
