FRIDAY July 23, 2021
Redeem the Time
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Christians need to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time. In Colossians 4:5, we find a similar exhortation: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside [nonbelievers], redeeming the time. We are to redeem the time because people who do not know Christ are watching us. They need to come to the knowledge of Christ before it is too late!
When Paul wrote about redeeming the time, the Roman Empire ruled, and many Christians were being killed. It was a time when believers in Christ lived zealously because they thought their redemption was drawing nigh, and Jesus was coming back for them.
Believers need to be watching and looking around them to know the signs of the end times. Look at what is going on in the news. Read the newspapers––everything is negative, nothing is positive. The times are so evil, we need to redeem the time, knowing our redemption draws near.
It is wise to number our days on this earth: So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). How long are we going to live? Maybe 70 years, but that time is short! What is 70-100 years compared to eternity? Life moves rapidly! Time moves so quickly! I have visited convalescent homes where many old people live abandoned. I wonder about them, what is going through their minds. Some of them may be regretfully thinking, I surely wasted my life. Are you wasting your life? Do something with your life that will benefit the kingdom of God!
We need to buy up opportunities––time. Take advantage of all the time we have to serve the Lord, especially those who are young and healthy. They have a lot of energy to serve the Lord. As we grow older, our bodies will weaken, and we will suffer. Some of us may die of cancer, leukemia, a heart attack or be killed in an accident. We do not know how long we have on this earth, but let us make sure to redeem the time!
Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!