Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Time is precious, yet we tend to lose track of it easily, to procrastinate, to take it for granted, or fail to spend it wisely as our time races by us every second. I think about how there are so many demands upon our time daily and how little time we truly have. I read that the Greek word for “redeem” means to “buy back,” to “ransom,” or even to “rescue.” That is, time is a very valuable asset, in danger of being lost forever unless it is rescued or redeemed. Being a baseball coach of 25+ years, I tell young parents always to make time, create memories, and cherish every moment with their child, because time goes by so quickly and you will miss their priceless childhood years. 

The article I read argued that time is just about the most valuable asset we have. If we squander our money or lose our health, there is always the possibility of earning more money or being restored to health, but "wasted time" is gone forever. In Ephesians 5:15-16, those who are wise redeem the time, whereas those who are fools waste or misuse it. The word in the original for “circumspectly” is translated “diligently”. The text thus indicates that those who redeem the time are walking diligently.

Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

This parallel passage says “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” The time God gives us, therefore, should be used both carefully and diligently. The marvelous passage in the 139th Psalm concludes with a remarkable declaration: “In thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. The words “my members” are not in the original, and “in continuance” is actually the Hebrew word for “days.” Thus, the verse is really telling us that all of our days were written in God’s book even before we were conceived. Each day of our lives is vitally important in the plan of God. I tell my Bible Study group members often that the Lord could say the word at anytime and we would be with Him in heaven, but He doesn't. We are here and now in this place and time for a reason and a purpose. Let’s use our time shrewdly to make a difference in this world for Christ’s sake. Walking in wisdom, let’s budget sensibly and manage our time prudently to know God and make Him known. The time is short, so diligently make every minute count. Redeem the time.

Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

In Christ, Brian