Time is a precious gift that God has given to each one of us. It is a resource that, once spent, can never be regained. As Christians, we are called to make the most of every opportunity and to redeem the time that God has entrusted to us. In Ephesians 5:15-16, the Apostle Paul writes, "Be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." In this devotional, we will explore the importance of redeeming the time and how we can live purposeful, intentional lives for the glory of God.
I. Understanding the Value of Time
To redeem the time, we must first understand its value. Time
is a limited resource, and we each have only a finite amount of it. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays,
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are like a mist that appears for a little
while and then vanishes. The Bible consistently encourages us to recognise the
fleeting nature of our lives and to use our time wisely.
When we understand the value of time, we will be more
intentional about how we spend it. We will be less likely to waste it trivially and more inclined to invest it in things of eternal
significance. We will cherish each moment as a gift from God & seek to use it
for His glory.
II. Living with Purpose and Intention
Redeeming the time requires us to live with purpose and
intention. This means that we must be deliberate in our choices and actions,
ensuring that they align with God's will and purposes for our lives. Jesus
himself modelled this kind of intentional living. In John 9:4, He said, "As
long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming
when no one can work." Jesus understood that His time on earth was
limited, and He was committed to accomplishing the Father's will during His
earthly ministry.
We, too, must be committed to doing the work that God has
called us to do. This includes not only our pursuits but also our
relationships, our service to others, and our personal spiritual growth. As we
live with purpose and intention, we find that our lives become more meaningful, and we will experience the joy of knowing that we are investing
our time in things of eternal value.
III. Prioritising God's Kingdom
To redeem the time, we must also prioritise God's kingdom.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs His followers to "seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well." When we put God's kingdom first in our lives, we find that our
priorities naturally align with His will.
This means that we will be more focused on the things that
truly matter, such as loving God, loving others, and sharing the gospel. We
will be less concerned with pursuing worldly success and more committed to the
advancement of God's kingdom. As we prioritise God's kingdom, we will
experience the peace and contentment that comes from living in alignment with
His purposes.
IV. Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
Finally, redeeming the time involves cultivating a heart of
gratitude. When we recognise that each moment is a gift from God, we will be
more likely to approach our days with a sense of thankfulness and appreciation.
As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
A heart of gratitude helps us to see the beauty and
blessings in each day, even during trials and difficulties. It enables us to
maintain a proper perspective on our lives and to recognise the many ways in
which God is at work in and through us. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude,
we will be more inclined to use our time wisely and to make the most of every
opportunity that God gives us.
Conclusion
Redeeming the time is a vital consideration in our Christian lives. It involves understanding the value of time, living with purpose and intention, prioritising God's kingdom, and cultivating a heart of gratitude. As we commit ourselves to these principles, we find our lives become more meaningful and fulfilling. May we be encouraged to make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.