Redeeming the Time

So what have you been doing lately through this whole COVID thing ? For some, not much has changed with their schedules as they still are in a situation where they can work as before but for many others a business has been closed down or a job lost, opportunities to conduct business have dried up. Some may find themselves retired and so work is not a factor but yet you have been confined unable to go about freely as before. Or as a student, now you are unable to continue with your education as before nor to walk the graduation line to celebrate the culmination of so many hours of study.

Most Americans, undoubtedly, find themselves with “more time on their hands”. Yet the truth is, its the same 24 hours in the day, it’s just different now ! The apostle Paul wrote a rather pithy statement in Ephesians 5:16 “redeeming the time, because the days are evil”. The word “redeeming” is a term from the world of real estate that speaks to buying up something (not toilet paper or medical supplies !) of value. Spiritually, it speaks of the wise and sacred (yes, sacred) use of every opportunity for doing good. Paul also reiterated this idea in Colossians 4:5 when he penned, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time”. His concern there was that before the unsaved we are good examples of Christlikeness in our total persons, for time is of the essence. They are headed to hell and we need to strive to be a great and godly ambassador for Jesus and by our lives and lips lead them to Him !

When you have “more” time it’s tempting to think of yourself. Ahh, I have some “extra” time I can coast a little, recharge my batteries. And while its true we all need that down time its also vital to keep in mind that the time He gives you is time that must honor Him. It does honor Him for you to grab some rest for then you are better able later to give your best. But be mindful not to waste time!!! Buy up those opportunities, even through an epidemic, to take time to pray for our world. Fire off some emails, cards or letters of encouragement. Pick up the phone to check in on someone and be a listening ear and uplifting voice. The next time you go to Him in prayer why not ask Him to show you how you can be a better steward of the time He has given to you to honor Him and help others and to show you even where you may be squandering too much time and where you can make some spiritual adjustments.

Remember when Paul was saved on that road to Damascus in Acts 9? This was the question he blurted out to our Lord immediately after accepting Christ: “What will You have me to do?” (vs.6). Paul had wasted his time persecuting Christians but once he’d met his Savior he had an about face and now wished to pursue God’s will not his own warped agenda ! Shouldn’t his question be always what we are asking with the time He allots you, whether its “more” or the “same”?