As with any other commodity, the way we use time makes all the difference...

Redeem Your time

By Chris Compton

It is hard to believe I am turning 47 this month. In only a few years, Lord willing, I will pass the big 5-0. Yikes! Where did the time go? The older we get, the more it seems time passes at a faster pace. I have often wondered why time seems that way. One conclusion I have reached is our lives are busier today than ever before. Work, chores, kids, activities, homework, ministry, sports, extended family—the list goes on and on. All these things—these good things—require one common ingredient: time.

Scarcity determines value. Diamonds would be worthless if you could pick them up like gravel on the side of the road. Gold would have no value if it sold in large blocks at Home Depot. These items are valuable because they are scarce. And time is the most valuable, precious commodity of all. Our time on earth is scarce and limited. James said life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then is gone. Time would not be as precious if we never died. Because we are never more than a breath away from eternity, the way we use our time has important and eternal significance.

As with any other commodity, the way we use time makes all the difference. We can use our time well and be intentional about our actions and the things into which we pour our lives. Or we can squander time away. Too often we allow the latter. We waste this most precious commodity on pursuits and pleasures that pass while neglecting the things that last forever. Time can be wasted a thousand ways, but it also can be used wisely and for the glory of God.

Ephesians 5:15-16 issues this challenge: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” To use time wisely, we must redeem it. Redeeming time is a metaphorical way to describe using time well. We do not own our time; God does. He gives it to us in a trust. We simply steward the time we are given, managing it wisely and making the most of every opportunity. What a precious gift has been entrusted to us! The question: How will we spend it? What are worthy pursuits for our valuable time?

• Enjoy every moment with family and care for them. Family is important. Love your kids while you can, and don’t forget about your parents as you (and they) age. Talk to them daily. Treasure time together. Too soon, it will be gone.
  

• Manage money well and make good financial decisions. Much pain and financial ruin could be avoided if we simply took time to pray and think through important financial decisions.
  

• Grow in the Lord. The discipline of reading the Bible and praying is so often relegated to the “back burner” in our lives. We should never neglect our walk with God and our growth into His likeness.
  

• Carry the good news of the gospel. Nothing is more worthy of our time than showing and sharing the love of Jesus.
  

God has given you a precious gift of time. Some get more than others, and we never know when our time will run out. So, whatever time God gives us us, let’s redeem every second!

About the Author: Chris Compton is accounting administrator for the Board of Retirement. He graduated in 2007 with a M.A. in Bible exposition from Columbia International University. A 1998 graduate of East Tennessee State University, he has over 18 years of administrative/financial experience in varied fields, and seven years in pastoral ministry.