Redeeming the Time.
I once heard it said that, “Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week”.
When putting this anonymous quote into perspective, my anxieties often magnify at the prospect of having to put a duty off till the next day.
I am inspired to work today, but only in response to a fear of the unknowns to come in the upcoming 24 hours.
Although I do not agree with religious perspectives, I find New Age author Wayne Dyer’s definition of procrastination to be spot on. He diminishes procrastination to be nothing more than “the art of keeping up with yesterday and avoiding today”.
As a college student, I am all too familiar with this term. As are many people at some point within their life. This art can very well become an injurious addiction if not habitually curved.
The Bible offers very practical insight into the art of time management.
In Ephesians 5:16-18, Paul addresses a pertinent time management strategy for followers of God, which are those who walk in the love of Jesus Christ.
This time management strategy is to live, “redeeming the time”. This essentially means to live according to God’s timeline for His will.
This means serving the Lord and utilizing the time that is gifted to us. Utilizing this time, may require change to our schedules and stewardship of our time.
Ephesians 5:16-18 states,
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
In this instruction, the Apostle Paul instructs the Christian to redeem the time, “because the days are evil”.
You may ask (Or this may just be my over-curious mind), how is a day evil? After all, a day is just a 24-hour period of time, right?
The answer to this question is yes, a day is a 24-hour period of time. However, this period of time can become evil with the exclusion of Christ’s will in our lives. Days become evil when they are not spent living for God’s will.
When I carry this perspective, I no longer live for fear of tomorrow, but rather living in the opportunities of today.
In Ephesians 5:16-18, Paul gives a plan of action, firm details, and an end goal to measure by. The end goal for us, as we are living a lifestyle “redeeming the time”, is based off the following question. Are we understanding the will of God (v.18)?
The will of God is to have “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). This is a serious task that requires our time and Spiritual discipline in study of the Scriptures, prayer, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saying this, I do not encourage undergoing this task of time management for the edification of the Body of Christ in reckless abandon.
That is not Biblical instruction. Especially not in the context of the Scripture here. Paul states in Ephesians 5:16 to “see then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise”. Walking “circumspectly” implies a level of cautiousness, weighing circumstances, and a desire to avoid mistakes.
One way to avoid critical mistakes is by following the pattern of Godly wisdom ordained within the Scriptures. Apart from this, all men and women become fools (If not already are).
Lastly, time management is an art that can carry over from Biblical practices into many aspects of life and may organize our intentions organically. If time is being managed and we are truly attempting to reduce the vain and pointless rhythms of life for the glory of God and the furthering of His Gospel, then things that distract us from this task will dissipate in the effort.
I hope you have enjoyed this brief message on time management and that it is practical for whatever goals you are looking to achieve in life and in your personal ministry.
Leave questions in the comments below or feel free to contact me through the contact page.
God bless and enrich you!
Jacob Harris