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Answer
Ephesians 5:15–16 in the King James Version states, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The expression redeeming the time is also present in Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (KJV). In both instances, redeeming the time is connected to wisdom in how we “walk,” meaning how we live.
To redeem something means to repurchase it, to regain possession of it. Time is a gift from God, and none of us know how much of it we are given. Only God knows how much time each of us has on this earth to make decisions that will impact eternity «Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written, Which in continuance were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them. », (Psalm 139:16). When God says we should be “redeeming the time,” He wants us to live in constant awareness of that ticking clock and make the most of the time we have. In fact, the NIV’s translation of Ephesians 5:16 uses the phrase making the most of every opportunity instead of redeeming the time. Rather than waste our days on frivolous pursuits that leave no lasting imprint, Scripture instructs us to be diligent about doing good «This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. », (Titus 3:8).
The context of the command to redeem the time helps us understand.Understand what redeeming the time looks like and why it’s important: “Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life” (Ephesians 5:15-18;NLT). Redeeming the time means that we are careful in how we live. We seek out and employ wisdom (see Proverbs 2:1-15). We seize every opportunity and use it for God’s glory. We think through our plans and make sure they align with God’s will. And we avoid empty, harmful activities such as getting drunk. Why are we to live this way? “Because the days are evil” «redeeming the time, because the days are evil. », (Ephesians 5:16). We must overcome evil with good «Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.», (Romans 12:21).
Jesus taught His disciples the necessity of redeeming the time: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” «I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. », (John 9:4). Jesus was diligent about keeping to His mission. Distractions were as prevalent then as they are now, but He let none of them deter Him from preaching and teaching God’s Word. That was why He had come «And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. », (Luke 4:43). Though He spent only 33 years.On this earth, Jesus transformed the world forever by redeeming the time.
We can learn to redeem the time by being aware that we may not have another day. The song “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw emphasizes redeeming the time. While it focuses on pursuing earthly passions in the time we have, the lyrics convey an important message. They end with this idea: “Someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying.” As Christians, we should live as if we were dying and pursue all that God has tasked us with while we have time. Every act done for Christ on earth results in eternal rewards «For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. », (Mark 9:41). Actions driven by selfish or carnal motives will be consumed and vanish (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Another way to learn to redeem the time is by seeking God’s assistance. We should begin each morning by dedicating our day to the Lord and requesting His help to accomplish something of eternal significance. By starting our day with eternity in mind, we become more attuned to spiritual prompts in our hearts. We seek opportunities to honor the Lord, assist others, or use our time productively. While waiting at a red light, we can pray for our neighbor. While mopping the floor, we can worship through song. At a restaurant, we can leave a generous tip along with a gospel tract or a card inviting the waiter to church. We can assess our talents and passions and discover ways to invest them for God’s kingdom. Volunteering, serving in church, leading a ministry, bringing Bible studies to jails and prisons, and studying to show ourselves “approved unto God” are all ways we can redeem the time «Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth
Not to be ashamed, correctly handling the word of truth. », (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).
James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly lives are nothing more than a mist that appears and then quickly disappears. Our money and possessions will be passed on to someone else. Our jobs will be taken over by others. Our families may remember us fondly but will move forward with lives that do not include us. All that remains of our lives on earth is what was invested in eternity. Ultimately, all that matters is what we did or did not do to redeem the time (Psalm 102:3;Psalm 144:4).
