Redeeming Time for the King

By Deb Marsalisi

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”—Ephesians 5:15–16 (NKJV)

What comes to mind when asked, “How do you worship the Lord?” If I was asked that question, I may answer with my prayer time, mediating on the Word, or singing His praises in song and/or testimony. But honestly, I seldom consider my time as an act of worship to God.

It’s funny, because I love clocks as home décor—I have upwards of 6+ clocks in my home, not including watches and cellphones. I’m hyper aware of time. I pride myself on being a punctual person. With age, I realize time like an Olympic runner. And in light of today’s passage, time's fleeting reality is sobering—and frankly, it should be.

In James 4:14, we learn “life” (time) is but a vapor; here today and gone tomorrow. The time God gives us is a nonrenewable gift we have the privilege of stewarding. He does not owe us one more day than He has allotted to us.

Let’s look closely at today’s verse, which makes perfectly clear there are two ways to live: foolishly or wisely. So, how are we living the short life God has given us when we’ve been called to live life “circumspectly,” meaning “cautiously, carefully, and prudently”? Now, please don’t mistake caution with boring or lack of adventure. Jesus will take you on a wild ride full of unknowns for the sake of His kingdom’s message. Look at Jesus’ life. It was far from safe and boring. He lived His short 33 years on this earth on mission.

Do you know what the phrase “redeeming the time” means? To redeem something is to buy it back. There’s always a cost associated with a purchase. Jesus redeemed us from the kingdom of darkness with His precious blood sacrifice. It cost Jesus His very life to bring us to salvation. Using our time wisely for the sake of serving the Lord may come at a cost; however, serving the Lord is an act of worship. It’s an expression of gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

We’re told, “The days are evil.” Yeah, no kidding . . . VERY! The depth of depravity increases with each passing year as we await the return of the Lord.

Being generous with our time can look different to different people. Maybe it’s helping an aging parent, taking time to teach a new believer the Bible, or heading into prisons or strip clubs to share the gospel. It can be as simple as being there to pray for someone in need or sharing a meal and a message of hope with a hungry soul.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40 (NIV) come to mind when I think of serving and worshiping Him with my time: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Remember, no matter who we serve, we’re ultimately serving Him.

I’ll end with something poignant I once I heard that I believe everyone should consider: “When we pass on, our money and possessions will be given to someone else. Our jobs will be filled by others. Our families may remember us with fondness, but they’ll move on with their lives that won’t include us. All that will remain of our lives on the earth is that which we invested in eternity. In the end, all that matters is what we did or didn’t do to redeem our time.”

Pause: In what ways are you generous with your time?

Practice: Make a list of all the ways you waste time. If you’re like me, the list is very convicting. Now make an additional list of ways to share the love of Christ with others and choose one to do each week.

Pray: Dear Lord, please forgive me for my gross misuse of time. I can spend more time on my phone, watching TV, or doing chores than I do with You or serving Your people. I want to do better. I want to spend time in the areas of my life You’ve prepared for me, such as in sharing the gospel, in serving my family, and in spending quality time getting to know You better. Please help me Father to use this nonrenewable resource of time wisely for the Your kingdom. Amen.