The phrase “redeeming the time” comes from Ephesians 5:16, which says “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” To understand what this means, we need to look at the context of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
In Ephesians 5, Paul is instructing the Ephesian believers on how to live wisely and make the most of their new life in Christ. He contrasts living wisely with living foolishly (5:15-17). The foolish live for temporary pleasure and self-indulgence, while the wise understand God’s will and seek to please Him. Because we live in a fallen world where evil is present, we need to make the most of our time on earth by living according to God’s will.
So what does it mean to “redeem the time” (or make the most of our time)? First, it means we should be aware that our time on earth is limited. Our days are numbered by God (Psalm 139:16). Life is a gift from God, but it is fleeting (James 4:14). We only have so much time, so we need to make it count for eternal purposes. We are just pilgrims passing through this world (1 Peter 2:11).
Second, “redeeming the time” means taking advantage of every opportunity we have to do good and obey God. We are called to “walk in wisdom” (Eph 5:15), which means applying God’s truth to every area of life. We are to understand what the Lord’s will is for our lives and then vigorously pursue it. We are to be “making the best use” of our time (Eph 5:16) – diligent, not lazy. Time is a precious gift that we are called to actively maximize for God’s glory.
Third, redeeming the time means rejecting sinful distractions and staying focused on that which pleases and honors Christ. Ephesians 5:16 says we are to redeem the time because “the days are evil.” We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin, which constantly threatens to swallow up our time. We must be on guard against “the futile ways of the world” (1 Peter 1:18) that would steal our time and focus. These include useless television, video games, web surfing, and other trivialities that often subtlety absorb our attention and hours.
Fourth, redeeming the time means taking every opportunity to share the gospel and be a witness for Christ. Paul says in Colossians 4:5 that we should “make the most of the time” by being wise in how we engage unbelievers. Our days on earth provide priceless opportunities for evangelism and outreach – we should be faithful stewards of these opportunities while we can. Jesus could return at any moment.
Fifth, redeeming the time means making time for fellowship and service in the local church. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together with other believers to stir each other up to good works and love. Much can be accomplished for God’s kingdom through faithful involvement and service in a God-honoring church. This requires making it a priority amid busy schedules.
In summary, here are some practical ways we can “redeem the time” each day:
- Begin each day with prayer, offering your time that day to God.
- Plan and schedule your day to maximize output and limit wasted time.
- Be disciplined and focused; avoid distractions that limit productivity.
- Take advantage of small pockets of time to accomplish good tasks.
- Listen to edifying content while driving or exercising.
- Have spiritual conversations that build up others.
- Serve your local church with your gifts and talents.
- Limit useless entertainment and social media.
- Spend time reading the Bible and in prayer.
- Look for opportunities to share your faith.
God knows how limited and precious our time on earth is. We are just vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). Since we only have one life to live, we must live it with eternity in view. This includes wise use of the minutes and hours God grants us each day. While we can’t earn our salvation, our redeemed time on earth provides opportunities to serve Christ and store up eternal rewards (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
The crucial question is what is occupying your time? Television, music, video games, web surfing? Or prayer, Bible study, worship, evangelism, discipleship and good works? Ask the Lord to help you assess how well you are currently redeeming the time. How can you be more strategic, focused and faithful with the minutes of each day? Consider what changes might be needed in order to use your limited time on earth for what matters most.
Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” As we prioritize pursuing God’s kingdom, He will help us make the most of our fleeting days on earth. May we echo the cry of Moses in Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” And may we apply that wisdom each day to redeeming the time.
Here are some additional Bible verses on redeeming the time:
Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them.”
John 9:4 – “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 – “This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.”
Galatians 6:10 – “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Colossians 4:5 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”
1 Peter 4:2 – “So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”
In summary, “redeeming the time” is a call throughout Scripture to be wise with the limited days God gives us on earth. It means using our time for pursuing God’s kingdom rather than earthly pleasures. As Jesus could return at any moment, we must live with urgency to know Christ, make Him known, and accomplish His will for our lives. We do this through prayer, Bible study, godly living, evangelism, discipleship, and serving the Lord wholeheartedly while we still can. Lord, teach us to number our days aright!
Here are some additional points on redeeming the time:
– Time is precious because it is limited and fleeting – we only have so much before Christ returns or life ends. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
– Procrastination is a thief of time. Putting things off leads to wasted time and missed opportunities. Do not boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). Be diligent today.
– Busyness is not the same as redeeming time. We must ensure our schedule aligns with God’s priorities, not just the urgent or busy.
– Technology can aid our time or steal our time, depending how we use it. Set limits on social media and other online distractions.
– In the parable of the talents, the master rewarded those who made the most of what he gave them (Matthew 25:14-30). God rewards those who redeem the time.
– Knowing God’s will in Scripture helps us set the right priorities. Understanding what pleases God helps us use time wisely.
– Having clear goals and focus helps us make the most of each day and not waste time on lesser things.
– Rise early to start your day with God. Set a schedule and stick to it. Discipline yields much fruit.
– Our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Investing time in ministry bears eternal rewards.
– Walking in wisdom means understanding life from God’s perspective. His values shape how we spend time.
– Be content with your material possessions. Don’t waste excessive time pursuing more stuff. Life is more than possessions (Luke 12:15).
– Be grateful for each new day. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
– Spend time with other believers for encouragement, prayer, service (Hebrews 10:24-25). Fellowship nurtures faithfulness.
– Eliminate hurry and anxiety from your life. Rushing steals time from proper priorities. Trust in God’s sovereign care.
– Zeitgeist is the idea that each era has a unique spirit or set of beliefs that shape it’s perceptions of time. As Christians we view time through God’s word.
– Make time your servant not your master. Use hours and minutes to serve purposes of God’s kingdom not worldly ends.
– Do not over-romanticize the past or future. The time God has given you now is what is most important. Live in the present with purpose.
– Cultivate lifelong learning to grow in wisdom and knowledge over time. But balance study with practice and service.
– Our days were ordained before one came to be (Psalm 139:16). Trust God’s timing for your life; He knows the number of our days.
– Labor diligently during daylight hours. Nighttime is coming when work ends (John 9:4). Make the most of each day God provides.
– Manage your home, family, and household well. Much kingdom work starts with well-ordered domestic life.
– Do not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Trust God for each day’s needs. Anxiousness about future steals joy now.
– Walk in the fear of the Lord always. Living in light of eternity impacts use of today’s time.
– Practice the fruit of the Spirit to nurture godliness over lifetime. Growth in Christlikeness is lifelong process.
– Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Earthly pursuits must align with heavenly values.
– Idleness and laziness waste time. Be diligent. “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.” (Proverbs 10:26)
– Exercise godly wisdom and discernment for how to best use time each day. Seek God’s guidance for priorities and schedule.
– Give tithes and offerings first from your time – give God the first fruits. Aim for consistency more than quantity.
– Labor today has impact on future generations. How we use time echoes into eternity. Faithful living shapes legacy.
– Do everything as if for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Our work and time usage brings glory to God.
– Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). Be careful who or what you spend significant time with.
– Practice daily repentance and renewal in Christ. Avoid wasted time due to lingering guilt or unforgiveness.
– Periods of solitude and meditation can rejuvenate time focused on God. Balance active service with quiet reflection.
– Marriage and family provide prime opportunities to selflessly serve others. Pour time into family relationships.
– Practice good listening skills. It multiplies the value of time spent conversing with others.
– Time is given by God but must be taken and used with purpose. Wasted time will not be regained.
– Make time to show hospitality, help those in need. Doing good need not be complex to have eternal value.
– Availability to others demonstrates Christ’s love. Our time on earth is short – freely give while you can.
– Disciple and mentor others in skillful living. Passing on truth impacts generations to come.
– Work diligently and heartily as serving Christ. Let no one despise you for idleness (2 Thess 3:6-15).
– Set Christ-honoring boundaries on your time. You cannot please everyone or do everything asked.
– God finishes the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). His redeeming our time continues our whole lives.
In conclusion, “redeeming the time” is a powerful exhortation in Scripture to use our limited days on earth wisely for pursuing God’s kingdom. This requires diligence, focus, wisdom, and an eternal perspective. May we daily offer our time to God and seek to maximize every opportunity we have to know, love, obey and serve Christ. Lord, teach us to number our days rightly, that we may gain a heart of wisdom and live each day with eternity in mind, for your glory. Amen.
