Redeeming the Time

It is interesting that the subject of redeeming the time shows up in more than one place in the New Testament.  It is emphasized in the Bible and we need to emphasize it in our lives.  Note a couple of places where we see the phrase:

Ephesians 5:15  "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

A similar passage is recorded in Colossians 4:5, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are  outside, redeeming the time.  Let you speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

"Redeeming the time" is a phrase that simply means to use our time well.  In the first passage it is telling us that the days are evil.  As Christians, we must be careful how we walk in this world that has given itself over to the evil one, Satan.  And Satan is real.  Note 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

While the passage in Ephesians takes a defensive position, the Colossians passage takes the offensive, positive stance, telling us to positively affect the world around us. 

And in talking about time, we must conclude with the verses in James 4, where it says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;' whereas  you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' "

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week!  Let's use our time well.