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Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. – Colossians 4:4

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:16

I hear people say that they have a lot of time on their hands these days. Others report that they are busier than ever. Most of us are looking at time differently and reordering our use of it.

Some of us are simply wasting it.

Others feel that they have a strong command on it.

We like to think we can control time by managing our calendars and setting our clocks backward and forward.

We cannot.

Time is ultimately beyond us and God is beyond time. Yet, He has given us the power and responsibility to redeem time in such a way that all time is dedicated to His glory and the good of others.

There are two challenges in these two verses.

The first challenge is that of the outsider.  We are to act wisely toward the person who is not among those who have faith in Jesus. Much is at stake in how we treat people outside the church. Not the least of which is our witness to that person and to the world. Do it out of love.

The second great challenge is the downward drag of evil days. Satan, the accuser, cannot destroy eternity for the believer, but  can steal our time, influence, and effectiveness. This impostor can utterly devastate our joy in service and uses some very clever and potent tools such as procrastination, distraction, laziness, diversion, and the lure of lesser things.

But do not forget the words of the psalmist:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

Both challenges require wisdom to activate and guide the process of time redemption. The scriptures enlighten us with the very wisdom of God in this matter as we test every goal, priority, and choice in the light of His great purpose and His calling for our lives.

Check your clocks  and calendars and, thus,  redeem the time.