Redeeming the Time

   “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5: 15 – 17)

   Time is among the most precious of earthly possessions. Most of us complain we don’t have enough of it, and yet many of us seem to waste a lot of time! A wise old doctor was often asked regarding dying patients, “How much time do they have?” He answered, “There’s only so much sand in the glass, and this is one glass we can’t turn over.” A gospel preacher once observed, “Life is comprised of time; therefore, time is life. How much of life should we waste?” Without exception, the inspired commandment of our text is pertinent to us as Christians. There are three steps to this commandment:

• Walk circumspectly (diligently, perfect) and not as fools (godless ones), but as wise souls.
• Redeem (rescue from loss) the time because the days are evil.
• Understand what the will of the Lord is.

To ignore these steps is to ignore God’s word which instructs us in all things pertaining to life and godliness. It is as critical to obey this commandment as it is to hear, believe, repent, confess, and be immersed for the remission of our sins. It is as binding upon us as the commandment to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. God’s authority does not permit us to be foolish about time, but instead be wise and understanding God’s will!

   I recently received a phone call from a man I’ve known throughout my life. While he made his living by selling insurance, Ron was a diligent bible student. He still is, at the age of 83! He called me about a bible subject he had been studying, and when we discussed his serious concern, I reminded him of how often I’ve used his habit as an example by which to encourage others. When Ron was working every day, his time was well occupied with important matters. But he knew his need to study – NOT JUST READ – his bible. So, he would rise an hour or so earlier in the day and after dressing for the day, enter his study and devote those few hours to studying God’s word. He told me nowadays, he finds himself devoting many more hours to studying, but as he does, he finds himself praying more as well! THAT, my friends, is “redeeming the time!”

   Time, once expended, cannot be retrieved. Time cannot be purchased in advance and reserved for some more needful occasion. Time is limited to twenty-four hours in a day and seven days in a week. None of us are assured of another second of time, let alone hours, days, weeks, months, or years! While we may “plan ahead,” and include the prayerful statement, “If the Lord wills,” there is no guarantee of time, for “God hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.” (Acts 17:31a) Further, “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Now, how much TIME can we waste?

   Yes, even the Lord took time to rest. But did you notice that during those few times of rest, He was interrupted by the desires and/or needs of those accompanying Him? When did Jesus ever “waste time?” In fact, I can think of only one time when He slept, and that was on a ship (Mark 4:38). Even then, for fear of their lives, they awoke Him crying, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” (Did the “we” include Him, or were they thinking only of themselves?) He never wasted a moment!

   Last, the “appearance” of using time wisely while in fact, we are wasting it, only deceives us. Have you seen people sleeping through the bible study or sermon? They would tell you, “Oh yes, I was at services …” But in reality, they either wasted their time or the Lord’s! Our assembling is for worshipping God, not ourselves. Therefore, it would seem we waste God’s time when our hearts aren’t attuned to praising Him, thanking Him, or learning more of His word. Yet, since He is eternal and timeless, it is our time we waste when our minds are drifting from the importance of the purpose of worshipping God. While He receives the honor, praise, and glory, we are the ones who benefit from this fellowship. Too often we “hurry it up” because of something of this world craving a generous portion of time. But again, if we are to “redeem the time” (rescue from loss) then what better use of time can be found than praising God in song, thanking Him in prayer, and learning more of His word?

   We have only so much time in this life and should recognize how precious every moment is! God has provided it for our use, but as stated, it must be used wisely! Wasting time is wasting life … and wasting life is wasting what God has granted us to prepare for His eternity!