Redeeming 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
What is the main redeeming feature of a Christian? It is our love. This is how Jesus said everyone will know we are His disciples (John 13:35). We can only demonstrate this kind of love with the power of the Holy Spirit. It can only take place in our lives if we are redeemed and made new. Love in and of ourselves is simply selfish love. Godly love demonstrates goodwill towards all. Just as love is a redeeming feature of a Christian, I believe redeeming our time is also.
As Christ-followers, we need to walk circumspectly. This is the original word akribós which means to walk diligently and carefully. We need to walk with exactness, especially in the days we live now. To the Colossians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). I love the way that is phrased. This is how we are to be towards even those who openly oppose us (Matthew 5:43-48). How else will we ever reach the lost with the message of hope? We must be careful of how we walk, so others will hear when we talk. The inward change demonstrated through outward life may be the only Bible those around us ever read. We must walk circumspectly.
The Lord has not returned for His bride yet, but He will soon. I desire that everyone go in what I call the “first-round draft.” This is the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:17). For this to take place, we must be redeemed. To redeem is to make payment for something. We as Christians are saved because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins. They have been paid in full. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe! You and I cannot do anymore (Ephesians 2:8-9). Because our sins were paid for by the blood of Christ, we must redeem our time by taking every opportunity to share what Jesus has done for us. At the same time, we wait with anticipation for the return of our Lord. As we have been given one more day and a new year, may we share our faith with all those who might hear.
“We should frequently ponder the words, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' We should think of how very much we do love ourselves, of how much of our activity centers around the care and comfort of self. Then we should try to imagine what it would be like if we showered that love on our neighbors. Then we should do it. Such behavior is not natural; it is supernatural. Only those who have been born again can do it, and then only by allowing Christ to do it through them.”
– William MacDonald