It was a crisp autumn morning, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves. As I sat on the porch, sipping my coffee, I couldn’t help but ponder the fleeting nature of life.
It seemed like just yesterday when I was a carefree child, chasing butterflies and dreaming of endless possibilities.
But time, that relentless force, had marched on, and suddenly, I found myself in the midst of adulthood, with responsibilities and obligations that seemed to consume every waking moment.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something, that despite my best efforts, I was not living up to my full potential.
It was then that a dear friend shared a profound truth with me – the importance of “redeeming the time,” a concept rooted in the Bible’s teachings.
The Expectation of Fruitfulness
In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds us of our purpose:
“1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
John 15:1-2 (NKJV)
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God expects us to be fruitful, not just sit idly by after being saved, waiting for heaven or Christ’s return.
Jesus further emphasizes this point when He says:
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
John 15:16 (NKJV)
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We are chosen and ordained by God to go and bear lasting fruit – to make a positive impact on the world around us.
The Importance of Discernment
Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NIV) reminds us:
“5 Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. 6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter…”
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Knowing what’s truly important and what’s merely a distraction is crucial in making the most of our time on earth.
We often squander our precious moments on trivial pursuits, such as excessive grooming, disorganization, or aimless activities.
Time management is not just about being productive; it’s about prioritizing the right things and avoiding time-wasters that rob us of our potential.
The Wisdom of God as the Solution
Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV) reminds us:
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”
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We lack the innate wisdom to navigate life’s complexities and direct our own paths.
However, Proverbs 4:5-7 (NKJV) offers us a solution:
“5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth… 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
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The wisdom of God is our guiding light, revealing the right way and time for every endeavor.
To obtain this wisdom, we need only:
“…ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NKJV)
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But we must ask in faith, without wavering, and be vigilant in looking for God’s leading in our lives.
Practical Applications of Walking in Wisdom
Walking in wisdom means being led by the Holy Spirit, not by circumstances, feelings, or fleshly desires. It involves checking with God before making decisions, speaking, or taking action.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of how wisdom can save us time, money, pain, and suffering.
Consider the story of Jesus stooping down and writing on the ground when confronted by the Pharisees (John 8:6-8). Rather than responding hastily, He paused and sought the Father’s wisdom.
His measured response not only diffused the situation but also demonstrated the power of walking in wisdom.
The Call to Fruitfulness and Redeeming the Time
The Apostle Paul‘s exhortation in Ephesians 5:16 (NKJV) is a clarion call to every believer:
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
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Our time on earth is short, and our opportunities are precious. We must prepare ourselves, unencumber ourselves from the weight of this world, and be available for God’s purposes.
It is a challenge to become more fruitful and productive by walking in wisdom and redeeming time – making the most of every opportunity that God has given us.
As the Scriptures remind us:
“15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV)
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Key Takeaways
- God expects us to be fruitful, not just sit idly by after being saved.
- Knowing what’s important and what’s not is crucial for making the most of our time.
- The wisdom of God is our guiding light, revealing the right way and time for every endeavor.
- Walking in wisdom means being led by the Holy Spirit, not by circumstances, feelings, or fleshly desires.
- We must prepare ourselves, unencumber ourselves, and be available for God’s purposes, redeeming the time and making the most of every opportunity.
Conclusion
As I finished my coffee and contemplated the profound truths I had learned, a sense of purpose and clarity washed over me.
Redeeming the time was not just a cliché or a mere suggestion; it was a mandate from God, a call to live intentionally and bear lasting fruit.
With the wisdom of God as my guide, I knew that every moment was an opportunity to make a positive impact and to honor the Creator who had entrusted me with this precious gift of life.
It was time to start living with intention, redeeming every moment, and embracing the fruitful life that God has ordained for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to “redeem the time”?
A. To “redeem the time” means to make the most of every opportunity and use our time wisely for God’s purposes. It’s about prioritizing what’s truly important and avoiding time-wasters that rob us of our potential.
Q. How can we obtain the wisdom of God?
A. James 1:5 tells us to “ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.” We must ask in faith, without wavering, and be vigilant in looking for God’s leading in our lives.
Q. Why is it important to be fruitful as believers?
A. Jesus emphasizes in John 15 that we are chosen and ordained by God to go and bear lasting fruit. Our fruitfulness is a testimony to our faith and our obedience to God’s call.
Q. What are some practical ways to walk in wisdom?
A. Walking in wisdom involves being led by the Holy Spirit, checking with God before making decisions, speaking, or taking action, and being mindful of not wasting time on trivial pursuits.
Q. How can redeeming the time benefit our lives?
A. Redeeming time and walking in wisdom can save us time, money, pain, and suffering. It helps us make the most of every opportunity and live a more fruitful life for God’s purposes.
