This past weekend was the annual time-change weekend. It’s fall, so it meant we set our clocks BACK, meaning we “got an extra hour.” People usually express pleasure that they get an extra hour of sleep. That’s not completely true, however (though I wish it were), and often it means we get LESS sleep because we stay up later, thinking we’ll be making it up. We are funny people, aren’t we?
It got me thinking about time, though. So many of us desire to have more time. We often say, “I just don’t have enough time. I wish we had more time.” Here’s the thing. You can always get more money, but you can’t get more time. That’s why the concept of redeeming the time is vital to understand.
Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 WEB
To “redeem the time” means to make the most of every opportunity, to use moments wisely for God’s purposes, and to prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity. Since time is a resource we cannot recover, how we use it matters profoundly.
The Greek word for “redeeming” (exagorazo) means to buy back, to rescue, or reclaim.
That means we are to “buy back” our moments from the places they have been lost – waste, distractions, perhaps even sin. Time is a God-given resource. Every day, hour, and minute is a gift. How we invest it reflects our priorities and faithfulness. In Ephesians 3:15-17 Paul writes to believers living in a world he describes as filled with “evil days.” It is challenging spiritually and morally. But in order to redeem the time we must be intentional and purposeful.
Psalm 90:12 urges, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV).
Time is finite – it ends. It has a limit. Wasting time is a lost opportunity. We could use it to grow, serve, and impact people. Not only is time limited, but opportunities are limited too. That person, that conversation, that opportunity to make a difference may never be yours again.
We must intentionally honor God with the moments He entrusts to us. We have an Enemy who is constantly at work to keep us from fulfilling God’s purposes. Distractions (good things that keep us from the main thing), procrastination (putting off doing the right thing), and overcommitment (too busy to do what is best) are three major ways the Enemy steals our time.
So how do we redeem the time?
Prioritize eternity. Invest in things that have lasting value. Spiritual growth, loving relationships, and acts of service have eternal value. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20 NKJV).
Be intentional every single day. Plan each and every day with purpose, and set your priorities based on God’s calling on your life. Don’t ask yourself, “What am I doing today?” Ask, “Who am I becoming today?” and “What matters most today for God’s Kingdom?” Then do what you know God is saying.
Kill time wasters. Identify distractions and habits that steal time: excessive social media, unproductive entertainment, arguing about trivial things. Replace them with prayer, studying the Scriptures, mentoring, and serving others.
Capitalize quickly on opportunities. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (NKJV). Work with your heart. Don’t put things off. Your opportunity to make a difference may not last long.
Evaluate and reflect. Regularly evaluate how you spend your time. Journaling, accountability to others, and prayer help daily life be ordered within God’s purposes.
Here are a few practical ways you can flesh out to redeem your time. And you must. You only have one life.
- Set spiritual priorities for each season and your entire life.
- Make certain to start and end each day with God.
- Schedule consistent times for worship, reflection, and ministry.
- Serve others intentionally. Identify opportunities to bless, mentor, or encourage someone daily. Use your skills, resources, and influence for eternal impact.
- Eliminate or limit your distractions. Identify the things that waste time and replace them with purposeful activities.
- Focus on the tasks for which you are responsible. Be efficient with responsibilities. Focus honors God. It is stewardship of time.
Think about these questions: How much of my day is spent on eternal purposes versus temporary distractions? Am I intentional about prioritizing God’s will in every hour I have?
What opportunities might I be letting slip by that I could redeem?
Redeeming the time is about living intentionally, wisely, and prioritizing living for God’s purposes. Every moment is a chance to honor God. Every day is a chance to make a forever impact for God and people. Life is flying by, but time invested God’s way – in God’s purposes is eternal.