Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

“Be very careful then how you live, not as unwise, but wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15,16

A lot of us wish our lives were a little different.

We think, “If only ________, then life would be perfect.” Or, ‘If only _______ would improve, then I’d be more content.” 

The problem is that we can become so focused on the fantasies of tomorrow that we overlook the beauty of today.

The great theologian, John Lennon, aptly sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Mr. Lennon is spot on. While we’re daydreaming about what could happen next, we miss out on what’s happening now.

That’s why Paul challenges us to live with wisdom and “make the most of every opportunity.” Literally, he’s telling us to “redeem the time.”  Now, let’s make sure we understand this important and meaningful phrase.

To redeem something means ‘to buy back – to rescue something from being lost.’  You see, time is a precious gift, given to us by the eternal, timeless God. We all get 1440 minutes a day, 525,600 minutes a year. Once those minutes pass, they’re never coming back.  As His sons and daughters, it’s imperative that we use every minute wisely. Because Jesus redeemed us, we “redeem our time” for Him, rescuing it from being wasted in frivolous and foolish pursuits. Time is a precious commodity, and we honor Jesus by how we spend it.

But…Paul isn’t simply saying, ‘Seize the day. Enjoy every minute.”  While this is helpful advice, it doesn’t adequately describe the depth of Paul’s words.

The word for “opportunity” is the Greek word ‘kairos,’ meaning “time.” However, ‘kairos’ isn’t used to describe time as in minutes or hours. Kairos is “an appointed time in the purpose of God, a decisive moment when conditions are right for a crucial action.”  To say it another way, kairos is time ripe with God-given opportunities.

So, let’s put this all together.

What does it look like for us to redeem the time?

Regardless of the frustrations and disappointments in our current season, the Lord has us right where He wants us.  If we open our eyes and pay attention, we’ll see that opportunities surround us—opportunities to minister to the hurting, to speak His grace and truth, opportunities to minister to the hurting, to speak His grace and truth, to minister to the hurting, to speak His grace and truth, and opportunities to reflect the love of Christ in our daily interactions. As these opportunities present themselves, we seize them, taking full advantage of every moment for His glory. 

You see, we can’t wait until ‘someday’ to be used by God. Today is the “day the Lord has made” (Psalm 118:24). We must live with a sense of urgency, recognizing that He has a purpose for us right here and right now. Instead of trying to just get through our day, we stay alert and look for how God is already working in our day.   

As Paul reminds us, the “days are evil.” Time is of the essence. In a culture that’s entrenched in darkness, we live as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8-10). How can we shine our light if we’re continuously wallowing in frustration, disappointed that life is less than ideal?

Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying.

You might read this and immediately feel pressured to get more done and become more productive. Maybe that’s the wake-up call your soul needs. Maybe not. God is not calling us to be superhuman and overload our schedules. There is a time and place for rest and relaxation. Each of us must evaluate how we’re spending our time and make the necessary adjustments.   

Think of it this way. 

You and I will never get a chance to revisit this season of life. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. So, we dare not waste it. Ten years from now, what will your future self wish you had done differently with the time you’ve been given?

The clock is ticking.

Precious moments are passing by.

Will you make the most of now?

“Time is a God-given stewardship for which we must render account, and our use of it will determine the value of our contribution to our day and generation. The difference between one man and another lies largely in his use of time.”
– Bruce Wilkinson 

DIG DEEPER
Read “What is the Meaning of Redeeming the Time in Ephesians 5:16?” at GodQuestions.org