Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25)

It’s Not On The Clock

There are sixty seconds to the minute and sixty minutes to an hour. The clock measures the time that is real. Most people wear a device of some type to tell time, helping them plan and organize their day. Clocks and timekeepers can be found everywhere. There is one thing a clock does not have on its dial – a convenient time. What makes a convenient time so amazing is how many souls believe they have a convenient time to obey the will of God.

Plans are made with precision to know when to awaken, go to work, see a doctor, when a game begins, and the constant ticking of the clock governs every facet of life. Calendars fill with necessary appointments. It becomes a hectic race of running from place to place in life’s unending, busy hustle. People still believe they will devote themselves to the Lord when a convenient time happens.

What is a convenient time? It is when all things are in order, life has slowed to a snail’s pace, and the heart is ready to accept the will of God on human terms. The mistake is forgetting that while man creates the clock, the Lord creates time. In the beginning, God set the sun, moon, and stars for signs, seasons, and days and years. Men created time devices like sundials, obelisks, water clocks, candle clocks, the hourglass, and spring-driven clocks into the sophisticated electronic devices of today. These are instruments that measure what God created. Time comes from the hand of God. What God did not create is a convenient time.

Felix was a man who lived on time he did not have. He was a powerful man of influence and position as a Roman governor. The apostle Paul was placed under his care after the Jews charged Paul in Jerusalem. Paul had the opportunity to preach the gospel to Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Felix was well-versed in the activities of the early church. Paul preached faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. The preaching of Paul caused the governor to become afraid. His heart was responding to the message of the gospel.

As Felix heard Paul’s message, he recognized the truth of Paul’s words. Responding to the preaching, Felix tells Paul to go away, and when a convenient time comes, Felix will have him back to continue the message of Christ. Felix said he wanted to wait until it was more convenient. That day never arrived. He sent for Paul often, but it was to get money from Paul. After two years, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. The convenient time for Felix to obey the gospel never came.

The ticking of the clock should remind those seeking a convenient time that life is short and that today is the day of salvation. Many people who believe they will die at the midnight hour face death at 11:30. It comes suddenly, swiftly, and without warning. The sad reality of the convenient time is that most people die unprepared. There is no convenient time later; it is only now. Felix would have regretted his lost opportunity to serve Christ. When he died, he realized time was over.

People put off doing what they should do for God for many reasons. The list is endless as to why someone will not repent, change their life, obey the gospel, and serve the Lord. What makes their story more tragic is that they were looking for a time not found on clocks or watches. Time is real, and it disappears quickly. If you are looking for a convenient time to change your life, you are following a fool’s errand. Today is the only day you have. It may possibly be the last and final opportunity you have. Make the best of it. Obey God. Serve the Lord. Now.