What do the words cherish time mean?

Cherish time - so says the holy Apostle Paul. You ask what the words mean: cherishing time? Blessed Jerome interprets them this way: “When we use time for good deeds, we value time”; St. Theophan the Recluse says: "Spend time to benefit yourself and your eternal goals." The words of the apostle of God have a meaning similar to the words of the Lord: 'Trade until I come back.

And when He returns, that is, when Christ comes again to judge the world, He will ask us how we disposed of the talents given to us. How did we use the time of our life? Did you give the cheap for the expensive, like Jacob, or the expensive for the cheap, like Esau? Have you succumbed to the temptations of this passing time and sold your soul for the sweet earthly bitterness, or have you all given up for your soul?

Therefore, obey the commandments of Christ every day, whenever possible. So you will treasure the days that God has given you. For "cherish" literally means "pay." Pay small to get large. Become a day laborer briefly to reign forever. For our Creator promised us an eternal kingdom in eternal life. Even if someone is imprisoned, let him not despair, but day and night in prison darkness repents and prays to God. And the Lord will credit him as well as the one who gave his wealth to the construction of churches. Our Creator sees the circumstances and expects from each person to do according to his strength and circumstances.

St. Nicholai Velimirovic