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 (NKJV)

What do you have planned for today? What is it that is going to fill your agenda? Perhaps you have planed on working all day, or possibly enjoying some time away to do some other activity? Have you made plans or any given any thought today with respect to your Christian walk and serving God?

Surprisingly, many Christians dont have this on their To Due List. It is interesting to me how we draw up our lists of the days priorities compiled of all the things we want to accomplish; our goal-oriented itinerary, but we seldom write down things such as:

1.Share the message of Salvation with neighbors or co-workers.
2.Read the Word, and memorize scripture verses so as to be able to share with others the reason for our blessed hope.
3.Tithe my time and ability in helping someone in need today.
4.Pray for family and friends needs.
5.Spend time with God in prayer throughout the day, seeking Him in every situation.
6.Be willing to divert from my list of things to do when God leads someone into my life with a divine appointment.
7.Be willing to spend time with them, encouraging them, exhorting them, and even holding them accountable; trusting in God for guidance.

This is not an exhaustive list, nor am I suggesting one put every one of these on their list each and every day. But each of these things could be added individually or collectively to our lists of other priorities to remind us, we can and should be used daily for the serving of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

There are many who believe, once they have made their profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior; it now becomes their mission statement to attempt to live a good life, and simply hang on until the rapture of the church. This couldnt be any farther from the truth. God has given us life, and life abundantly, both eternally, but also now while still here on earth, and in this body. We are told to live our life by presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service (Rom 12:1).

Christians must no longer act like simpletons; living as if ignorant, by following the ways of the world, especially since Gods own wisdom is always available to them.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, Ephesians 1:7-9 (NKJV)

So what does this mean? It means we know what Gods will is for our life. We have been told in Gods Word of His great plan for our salvation, for eternal life, and for how we are to live. And as Christians, we should be making the most of every opportunity.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 (NKJV)

We are told to walk circumspectly, which means to walk cautiously, vigilantly and with awareness. We are to do this because the days, in which we live, are evil. Moral depravity is rampant, and we are becoming jaded to the sinful lifestyles of those who live to feed their fleshly desires. We should be seeking the opportunity to use our time wisely in a way, which glorifies God. It is said, the average American will have spent 15-years of their life watching TV. This leads me to another phrase that says, Stupid is what stupid does. God has not called us to be saved by His grace so we can simply go through life living in such a way as to check out and take care of our own wants and needs.

Hey, we could be simply going for a walk, and instead of just thinking about whatever comes to mind; we could be utilizing this time of exercise to be praying for those people who dont know the Lord as of yet; for the needs of those who you know to be suffering and in need.

I want to encourage you today to think of ways in which you can redeem your time for God. Here is a suggestion: Ask God to show you what He would have you do in each situation. Always be looking for a way to share your faith with others. Encourage people each time you have conversation, and look for ways of sharing scripture supporting your reason for optimism.

God is coming back soon! When He does, I want to be about my fathers business&

STUDY QUESTION: According to Ephesians 5:15-16, how are we to live our lives?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you redeeming the time God has given you?

APPLICATION: Seek to glorify God in all you do. Look for opportunities to share your faith.