Authored by Adjunct Faculty of Marketing Carly Berna (MBA ’12)
Have you ever felt like time is simultaneously flying by and dragging on? The year 2020, as the original article mentions, exemplified this feeling, stretching and compressing in bewildering ways. It feels both recent and distant. The Oxford Dictionary defines “Time” as “the indefinite continued progress of existence.” Interestingly, the Greek language offers two distinct words for time: “Chronos” and “Kairos,” each providing a unique perspective on our experience of time. Let’s explore these concepts to understand more about time itself and how we perceive it.
Delving into Chronos: Time by the Clock
Chronos refers to quantitative, sequential time – the kind we measure with clocks and calendars. It’s about duration and precise moments. In essence, Chronos is what time is it in when you check your watch. The Bible, in its original Greek, uses Chronos 53 times, often to denote specific durations or points in time.
Consider these biblical examples illustrating Chronos:
- “Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.” – Matthew 2:7 (Here, “time” refers to a specific point in the past).
- “Therefore Jesus said, ‘for a little while longer I am with you, then I go to Him who sent me.” – John 7:33 (This indicates a limited duration).
- “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” – Galatians 4:4 (This speaks of a predetermined point in history).
These verses highlight Chronos as measurable, chronological time, the ticking clock that governs our schedules and daily routines.
Unveiling Kairos: The Right or Opportune Moment
Kairos, in contrast, signifies qualitative time. It’s about the opportune moment, the right season, or a significant, often decisive, moment in time. It’s not about what time is it in on the clock, but rather, is it the right time for something? The Bible uses Kairos 87 times, emphasizing its importance in understanding divine timing and opportune moments.
Biblical examples of Kairos reveal its essence:
- “And they cried out, saying, ‘What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” – Matthew 8:29 (Here, “time” refers to the appointed or opportune time, not just chronological time).
- “For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.” – John 5:4 (The “seasons” and “stirring up of the water” point to specific opportune times for healing).
- “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6 (This refers to the divinely appointed, opportune moment for Christ’s sacrifice).
Kairos is about moments of significance, opportunities, and seasons. It’s less about the clock and more about the quality and significance of the moment itself.
Contrasting Chronos and Kairos in Daily Life
The distinction between Chronos and Kairos is crucial. Chronos is the time of schedules, deadlines, and appointments. What time is it in Chronos terms? It’s 9 AM, time for your meeting. What time is it in Chronos? It’s 5 PM, time to leave work. It’s the quantitative measurement of our day.
Kairos, however, asks, is this the right time? Is this the opportune moment to speak up? Is this the right season to make a change? Is this a meaningful moment to connect with loved ones? What time is it in Kairos? It might be the perfect moment to offer support to a friend, regardless of the clock.
When we solely focus on Chronos, we risk becoming slaves to the clock, missing the richness of Kairos moments. Living only by our schedules can blind us to the opportunities and divine timing that Kairos represents. Each day presents us with a choice: live according to our Chronos-driven schedule or be open to God’s Kairos plan.
Our schedules often operate within Chronos time, but God exists outside of this linear framework. Kairos time involves waiting on divine guidance and being attuned to subtle promptings, especially during uncertain times. Adopting a Kairos perspective shifts our focus. It’s less about the ticking clock and more about recognizing and seizing the right moments aligned with a larger purpose. This perspective fosters patience and steadfastness as we align ourselves with a greater plan.
Cultivating a Kairos Mindset: Three Practical Steps
To live more in tune with Kairos time, consider these practical approaches:
- Pray for Kairos Moments: Begin each day by asking for guidance to recognize opportune moments. Pray for discernment to identify and act on the Kairos moments God presents throughout your day.
- Be Present and Observant: Pay attention to your surroundings and the current season of your life. Reflect on what you are experiencing and consider if there are lessons or opportunities embedded within the present moment. What is God trying to communicate or teach you in this specific Kairos season?
- Journal for Reflection: Keep a journal to document your feelings and experiences. Reflect on whether you are in a season of waiting, busyness, or transition. Journaling helps you analyze your days through a Kairos lens, identifying meaningful moments and God’s hand in your experiences. Looking back, you can discern patterns and recognize God’s work in different seasons.
Whether time feels fast or slow, anchoring ourselves in Kairos time allows us to lean into a deeper sense of purpose and peace. By trusting in divine timing and seeking Kairos moments, we can move beyond the constraints of Chronos and experience a more meaningful and fulfilling life, less burdened by the clock and more open to the richness of each present moment.
