Redeeming the Time

Clouds flow like spilled buttermilk across a sky so blue it hurts to look at it. Monarchs cling to blossoms on the butterfly bush, like children on a carnival ride, as the breeze tosses them, getting their fill of nectar before their long journey. Hummingbirds flit and fight as they stake their claim on the hummingbird feeders and on the few flowers that remain.

The slow days of summer have passed, and the world is busy with the season’s change. All of nature is redeeming the time.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that phrase ‘redeeming the time’ lately as I’ve watched creation prepare for shorter days and cooler temperatures. I’m convinced that cooler temperatures are coming although they have not made much of an appearance yet.

Paul talked about redeeming the time in Ephesians 5:16.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

He wasn’t talking about the days of fall, though, or of nature’s time of harvest. He was giving guidance on how we spend our lives.

When we look at this verse in context, we read this:

“See then that ye walk circumspectly (vigilantly, watchfully), 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, KJV).

We know about evil. It has certainly reared its ugly head recently. But, how do I redeem the time? How do I use this time, this precious fleeting time that God has given me, wisely, according to His will?

There is guidance for us in God’s word. I love that He provides this!

• First of all, we redeem the time by behaving properly.

^“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor” (I Thessalonians 4:3 – 4, KJV).

Our time must not be wasted on living that does not honor God. Instead, we must be growing in our closeness and relationship to Him. We do this by studying His world, spending time with Him, and daily abiding in Him. The life that abides in Christ is full of joy, but it is not frivolous. It focuses on the real and the important. It lives in eternal rather than temporal pleasures. When I redeem the time, my behavior is such that my life demonstrates discipline and gives glory to God.

• Secondly, we redeem the time by having thankful hearts.

“In every thing give thanks: for this isthewillofGod in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).

A thankful heart is the right attitude with which to face a world of trial.  As we focus on God and who He is, we can withstand the many difficulties that we face each day. We can not grumble with a thankful heart. We can not be bitter with a thankful heart. A thankful heart sets us up to love and serve others, which is what God has called us to do.

• Finally, we redeem the time by doing the right thing in the face of evil.

“For so isthewillofGod, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” (I Peter 2:15, KJV)

Human nature wants to pay back when we are wronged, but God calls us to a higher calling. We have no time for revenge. In these days as we look for our Lord’s return, we are to be so busy doing the right things. By so doing we help silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Just as the autumn days bring us closer to the onset of winter, every day draws us nearer to the time of our Lord’s return. Whether He calls us home or comes to get us, our days on Earth are limited. By paying close attention to God’s will as He has revealed it in His word, we can redeem the time He has given us and use it wisely for His glory.

Father, You are all about redemption. May I be all about redeeming the time that You have given me. Let each day find me living in Your will with a thankful heart and a life that returns good for evil. It may not be easy, Lord, but I ask for Your Holy Spirit to lead and to guide and Your strength for the way. Thank You. In the name of Jesus I pray.