Ever hear of Kairos time?
I heard this term used in a new way a couple of weeks ago so began to explore its history and meaning. I am starting to use two ways to look upon this strange uncertain time we are living in and am finding hope and growth in these moments.
The word Kairos comes from ancient Greek and means right, critical or opportune moment. The ancient Greeks saw time in two formats: Chronos meaning chronological time (and the way we usually view time in our culture as in minutes and seconds) and Kairos or appointed moment or due season.
We ask in Chronos time: What time is it? But the question: what is this time for? carries the meaning of Kairos. What is the significance of this time?
Chronos is quantity; Kairos is quality.
Chronos is man’s way of arranging time, to organize, and attempt to control.
Kairos is God’s time – in his hands, creative, loving, inviting and shaping.
This time we are living in right now – in a time of pandemic and upheaval – can be held in our hearts both ways. We can complain in a Chronos manner about restrictions, cancellations, and what has been lost. We can look back upon 2020 wishing its time was over.
Or we can change our mindset and hearts to take a wider view through God’s eyes and see 2020 (and really all of our moments) through the lens of Kairos.
Think of Karios as an open door, an invitation to reflect and grow. 2020 becomes a time of growth and renewal into new creations. We leave behind what no longer worked and leap into the arms of God in faith and love. Both Chronos and Kairos nurture transformation.
Pay attention and see this time in a new way. Where are you seeing God? How will you look back upon 2020 as a Kairos time, not just a Chronos?
This is how I am challenging myself right now. Join me?
Thanks for this emphasis on God, His timing, His wisdom, His ways, friend.
Our own plans have proven to easily fall flat, go up in smoke, vanish like the wind.
Praise God He never changes!
Thanks, Jean. Two things have been emerging for me over past months in Kairos time: neighbors and gratitude. I’ve been thinking deeply about the meaning of these in my life, and I appreciate your putting my pondering into useful context.
Be well!
“What is this time for?” I love that question instead of “what time is it?”. 2020 is definitely a year to be looking at things in a different way. Thanks, Jean!
SO helpful, Jean. I find myself thinking these days about what we’re losing–like weeks of no contact with grandchildren! I need to be thinking instead of what God would have me gain or what he’d have me give to others. For example, I am currently able to spend more time on social media and be a voice of encouragement; I can give detailed feedback to an author working on a novel. Kairos time offers possibilities of divine purpose not achievable under the constraints of chronos time. Thank you for a transformed perspective, Jean!
Love this! Either we see with our eyes (watching a clock) and/or we see with our spiritual eyes (insights into what God is doing through His Word). We may not understand what He’s doing but we trust Him. Thank you Jean, for all your insights. I love receiving your posts.
Thank you, Jean, for throwing down this gauntlet, so to speak. We do need both aspects of time, with Kairos being our ultimate, the one in which we see opportunity and reflection amidst the mere passing of time. May we all be more aware of the ways in which God is asking us to grow and mature in times of difficulty.
Blessings!