Read: Ephesians 5:1-21

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15-16

Redeeming, making the most of my time! Maybe these verses seem out of place in a society that is ever seeking ways to do things faster and better.

Zip out of bed in the morning. Zip the kids off to school. Zip off to work, to this or that activity or appointment. On Saturday, zip from one activity to another. (There is always a to-do list.) Sundays are not much different. Hurry off to church. Hurrying home again. Sundays can be very full days. No time to rest for the coming week.

God had something besides our hectic pace in mind when He inspired Paul to pen his words. What does making the most of our time even mean if it doesn’t mean filling every moment? God isn’t about wearing us out, but in building us up–mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Even He got away from the crowd to pray, to rest and to be refreshed.

Making the most of our time refers to using our time in the most beneficial ways for our health and well-being–starting with our relationship with Him. Do I spend time communicating with the One I call Savior and Lord? Do I read and study the word He gave to comfort, strengthen and guide? After all, isn’t all time His?

Making the most of my times means taking time for family, my spouse and children–time to listen, to share, to hug and to care. It means considering their needs important enough to be there when they need me and be 100% present, not giving only half my attention to them.

It means taking time to teach, to lead, to guide, to be an example. This type of relationship doesn’t just happen. It takes lots of time, effort and attention.

Making the most of my time means spending time with friends and neighbors, building foundations for sharing God’s salvation, love and hope. It means making and taking opportunities to witness my faith in a very real way.

Making the most of our time–redeeming the time–also means being careful what we put into our hearts, our minds, our homes and our lives. This includes what we see, read, watch and play.

Most of all, it means spending time each day in God’s Word and in prayer. It means being involved with God’s people as Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us.

Making the most of our time means using time wisely as “unto the Lord.” Philippians 4:8.

Help me, Lord, spend my time in ways that helps me be all I can be in You. Even if that means saying, “No!” and slowing down my schedule. Amen.

By Carolyn R Scheidies

From Listen! Who Me?