Redeem the Tine
Long ago, I memorized Ephesians 5:15-16, and seared in my memory was: “Redeem the time, for the days are evil.”
I interpreted that (wrongly—see below) as a time (clock) management command.
The word in Ephesians 5:16 translated “time” is kairos, which means era, season, or opportunity. The word for clock time is kronis.
Maybe that difference wouldn’t matter to you, but it has to me.
When I was working, my days usually were scheduled back to back to back to back. I’d wake up with a “To Do” list running through my mind. I would often think of the verse to redeem the time and try to make every moment count. By the end of the day, I was desperate to find a way to relax. I took several time management courses, but finally decided I wouldn’t take another unless they promised 25 hours a day.
The wrong interpretation of “redeem the time” stuck with me even after years of Bible study.
Make the Most of the Opportunity
Certainly, we need to:
Walk wisely, making the most of our time. (Ephesians 5:15)
Conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. (Colossians 4:5)
And we need to:
Number our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90.12)
I’ve been retired nearly 10 years and still rejoice at days with no schedules. Initially, the lack of projects and schedules was disconcerting. What do I do? See Rest for the Glory of God.
How does “Redeem the time” apply to retirement? More accurately, what are my opportunities in retirement to serve and glorify God?
Every season of life we have the challenge to make the most of opportunities. Every season. Even if you feel put on a shelf, you have opportunities. Make the most of them.
At the same time, I think we are prone to create projects and goals that are not God-given. I, at least, have to watch out for filling up my days with so much I miss the true opportunities to glorify and serve God.
There is urgency associated with the command to make the most of our opportunities. We don’t know how much time we have left. We don’t know if we have tomorrow. When today is over, whatever opportunities we had for this day are over. We can’t repeat the day (although there are times I’d sure like a “do over!”)
My goal is to give my Lord “my” day, commit to His plans, and ask that I recognize the opportunities He is giving me. Sometimes I do that before I get out of bed; sometimes at my desk at the beginning of the day. I find it helps keep Him in mind and be alert to what He wants me to do. I need also to pray that I understand the difference between my manufactured busy-ness and what He wants me to do.
How about you?
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Father, thank You for giving me work to do and time to serve You. Thank You that You are in control of how much time I have. Please help me see my time has a definite end and give me a sense of urgency to do what You have for me to do. Help me see the opportunities You give me and help me make the most of them. Help me do everything, including rest, for Your glory. Help me finish the course You have set for me.
