REDEEMING THE TIME
See then that you walk circumspectly,
not as fools,
but as wise,
redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
We are bombarded with opportunities that entice us to invest our time and energy. Each day the voices of urgency cry out for our every available moment. So many causes promise great rewards if only we dedicate our time and energy to them. How can we recognize God’s voice among so many competing voices? What can we do to make sure we are, in fact, redeeming the time?
A fool makes unwise choices with his time. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool runs off in a different direction, without even a moment’s thought about whether that is the best choice. The loudest voice gains his attention. At some point, the fool discovers – to his dismay – that he has squandered the investment of his time.
The days we live in are evil. Marriages are under tremendous pressure. Families are disintegrating. Multitudes are dying each year without hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is so important to invest your time wisely! Take a moment of pause before you rush out to foolishly spend your time in sinful or wasteful pursuits.
Often, it is not evil pursuits that steal your time. Instead, we are tempted to sacrifice what is best for what is good. Think about that. The enemy knows that tempting you with evil will be obvious, so he will lure you with distractions. He will tempt you to fill your schedule completely full with good things so that you have no time for God’s best. You may inadvertently substitute your own goals for God’s kingdom instead of waiting for His assignment.
As you pray today, thank God for giving you the precious commodity of time. Ask God to give you the wisdom to discern the best ways for you to redeem your time. Ask Him to show you the things that He thinks is the best use of your time, according to His will, and for His glory. Amen.