"Redeeming the Time"
Brian R. Kenyon

The Autumn leaves and cooler weather signal that a new year will soon be upon us. The older we get the more we realize that life is like "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (Jas. 4:14). Because time is so fleeting, we must make the most of every opportunity we have to serve the Lord.

In two verses, Paul uses an expression the KJV translates, "redeeming the time," and the NASB translates "making the most of your time" (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). A key word involved in the original language was a market term that meant to "buy out," or "purchase completely." The phrase teaches that Christians must buy up and make the most of every opportunity to serve the Lord. When we examine the particular verses in which the phrase appears, two reasons for this become apparent.

First, in a context where Paul shows the importance of living distinct lives, he says, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). The point is that there are plenty of distractions in this world that can take us away from the proper use of our time, so we better stay focused and seize every moment for good (cf. Eccl. 12:1).
Second, in a context where Paul discusses how we should conduct ourselves among those in the world, he says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Col. 4:5). The point is that Christians must avoid unnecessary antagonism or alienation from those who may possibly be influenced to obey the Gospel. We must always live our lives in such a way that those outside of Christ will be attracted to true Christianity (cf. Mt. 5:13-16; Acts 2:47).

As we reflect on the use of our time over the past year, can we say that we have used every opportunity we have had to serve the Lord? One day our time will run out, and we will have to give an account to God of how we used it (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). May we seriously consider our time and use it in such a way that we will not be ashamed.