Your One LifeSample

Day Two: Redeeming Time

In some of the modern translations, Ephesians 5:16 says to “make the most of every opportunity.” But I memorized this verse many years ago in the King James Version, which translates the verse this way: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 

The idea behind the word redeem is to “purchase” or “buy up.” When I make a purchase, it’s a deliberate, intentional transaction. I’m exchanging some of my money for a product. In the same way, when it comes to my life, I’m regularly exchanging my time for something. The question is, am I exchanging my time for that which is most valuable? 

Interestingly, the Greeks had two different words for time: chronos and kairos. We get our word chronological from chronos. It’s the actual seconds and minutes. It’s a quantitative word. But that is not the word used in Ephesians 5:16. Paul very deliberately uses the root word kairos. Kairos is more qualitative and speaks more to the “right” moment or opportunity. Every hour is the same when it comes to chronos. But not every hour is the same when it comes to kairos. 

Paul is challenging us to be intentional to buy up as many kairos opportunities as possible. Why? Because we have only one shot at this life; and because, as Paul says, “the days are evil.” 

Maybe the most dangerous word in the English language is someday. Many of us suffer from the “someday syndrome.” Someday I’ll make things right with my mom. Someday I’ll take that trip. Someday I’ll have more time for the kids. Someday I’ll get in shape. Someday I’ll slow down. Someday I’ll talk to my friend about Jesus. Someday I’ll go back to school.  

What “someday” represents is a longing for more kairos moments. But the problem with “someday” is that it can rob us of “this day.” 

None of us ever sets out to squander our life. No one ever plans to live a regret-filled life. I want to challenge you to put a stake in the ground declaring that you are going to move beyond “someday” thinking and chase after a kairos kind of life. 

Complete the following statement. Someday I hope to . . .