Day 9: Redeeming the Time

Devotional: Applying the Bible to my today.

Read: Ephesians 5:15-17 

By LeRon West

In times like this we have more time on our hands. Having more time presents us with a dilemma of what to do with it. The rhythm of our lives will be impacted in ways we can’t imagine. Regular routines of work, school, church, and leisure are now affected indefinitely. Like “Old Man River,” life and time keeps rolling along. Time becomes life lived, as days become weeks, weeks become months, months turn into years, and years become a life. How we spend our time is how our life is spent. How shall we now live?

1. Be careful how you live.  “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15 KJV) Paul continues the context indicating how Christians should live out their faith. We are to live cautious of what is all around us, ever vigilant of the menace to mark or even kill time. Idleness will extinguish the fire of urgency. Walking requires more than one step. As we live, walking with careful observation, the result is wise living. This implies that, how we spend our time…wisely or foolishly…is the currency for redeeming the time. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5 KJV)

2. Be wise and make the most of every opportunity.  “Redeeming the time, ...” (Ephesians 5:16a KJV) The concept of redeeming the time seems a bit retroactive. Lord knows, I/we have wasted more time than we have used wisely. The good news is we now have the opportunity to buy back, redeem this time. It implies the buying back of time before it is wasted. Time will increase or decrease in value depending on how it is used.  The MSG states it this way, “Make the most of every chance you get.” My grandfather would often say, “When you don’t have time to do it right, you won’t have time to do it over.”

3. Recognize that the days are evil. “… because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16b KJV). Days are evil. This buying back must happen to reclaim the days from evil. These are dangerous and desperate times!  This is not the time to become slack in our prayers, devotions or Bible reading. We must see this as an opportunity to nurture our souls, share our faith, and pray without ceasing. It is really a chance to improve on our discipline of discipleship. For what reason should we be careful how we live and redeem the time?

4. Be aware of the Lord's will. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17 KJV). If the appeal to walk cautiously without living foolishly, or the concept of buying back time, in the face of evil opposition, does not motivate us, then knowing it is the will of God should. This is really our “not my will” moment. We are living out the gift of life to the will of the Life Giver. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11) “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Be encouraged to walk in Christ’s presence, make use of this opportunity, to worship, work, and witness for Christ.

Lord we are thankful for every moment You have given us. Teach us to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom, as we stop counting the days and make the days count for Jesus Christ. Amen

LeRon West is the pastor of Gilcrease Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK and is a missionary in many countries. His love and service to his community has also included working for the Tulsa Fire Department (retired) and as an Electrical Contractor for All Power Electric Company.