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Time is one of the greatest gifts God has given us, yet it is also one of the easiest gifts to take for granted.
We speak of “our time” as though it belongs completely to us. We talk about saving time, spending time, wasting time and finding time. But the truth is that our time belongs to God. Every day we live, every breath we take, and every opportunity placed before us is a gift from His hand.
The Bible says in Ephesians 5:15–16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
To walk “circumspectly” means to walk carefully and thoughtfully. God does not want us drifting through life without direction or purpose. He wants us to pay attention to how we are living and to understand the value of the days He has given us.
The phrase “redeeming the time” means making the most of every opportunity. Time itself cannot be recovered. Once an hour is gone, it is gone forever. We may have another Monday, another birthday or another Christmas, but we will never have this exact day again.
Life passes quickly. James 4:14 asks, “For what is your life?” and answers, “It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
When we are young, a year seems like a long time. As we grow older, the years seem to pass more quickly. Children grow up. Families change. Health declines. Loved ones pass away. Before we realize it, seasons of life that once seemed permanent have come and gone.
That is why Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Numbering our days does not mean living in fear. It means recognizing that our days are valuable and should be used wisely.
Perhaps you look back and feel that you have wasted too much time. Maybe there were years when you were away from God, opportunities you ignored, or things you wish you could change.
None of us can return to yesterday. We cannot rewrite the past, but by the grace of God, we can give Him what remains.
The Apostle Paul had much in his past that he regretted. Before his conversion, he persecuted Christians and opposed the work of Christ. Yet he did not spend the rest of his life trapped by his failures. He wrote in Philippians 3:13–14 that he was “forgetting those things which are behind” and “reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
You may not be able to give God the years that are gone, but you can give Him today.
Redeeming the time means making time for what matters most. It means making time to pray, read God’s Word, worship, serve, encourage others and share the gospel. It also means making time for the people God has placed in our lives.
Make the phone call. Have the conversation. Say, “I love you.” Say, “I am sorry.” Offer forgiveness. Encourage someone who is struggling. Do not assume there will always be another opportunity.
The devil does not always have to make us wicked to make us ineffective. Sometimes he simply keeps us distracted. We can become so busy with temporary things that we neglect eternal things.
Life is too short to spend it holding grudges, worrying constantly, fighting unnecessary battles or delaying obedience to God.
Jesus said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day.”
This is our day. This is our generation. This is our opportunity to serve God and influence others for Christ.
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is in God’s hands. Today is the time God has placed before us.
Let us redeem it. Let us use it wisely. Let us make our time count for the glory of God.
• Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
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