Redeeming the Time
Time.
Time is a peculiar thing. Our world revolves around it. It is progressive, and it never stops.
People die; time doesn’t stop.
Grief continues; time doesn’t stop.
New life springs forth; time doesn’t stop.
I look at my six wonderful children, who are grown, and I can't even fathom how quickly we arrived at this place.
This phenomenon affects all of us because we're here for a specific time. And in that distinct timeframe, God has planned all that we will accomplish for His purpose. However, if we are not careful, we can miss out on making the most of God's opportunities.
What is Time?
Time is a period or season suitable for a specific purpose: God’s purpose.
Instead of mindlessly running to the grocery store, ask yourself, “God, who would you have me bless in the produce aisle?”
Or, instead of simply going to work, ask yourself, “What is your specific will for me in my workplace today?”
We are all allotted the same hours in a day; how will you choose to use it?
Don’t Waste Your Time
Over the years of ministering and counseling people, overseeing ministries, and watching my husband lead, I have witnessed many people (who call themselves Christians) wasting time.
I see women staying in relationships they know won't go anywhere. Sister, all you're doing is wasting time!
Alternatively, I see men in relationships where they don’t plan on marrying, keeping the woman hanging by a thread. Brother, stop wasting her time!
I encourage you to be mindful of the choices you make because time is precious!
The early church had a beautiful sense of urgency regarding the Kingdom of God. I know it’s not 2,000 years ago, but I am walking in that sense of urgency as I witness the signs of the time.
And here is a warning, Church; If you can't figure out that the world is spiraling out of control, persecuting the house of God, you may have a problem with how you are stewarding your time.
It’s Not Your Time
We live in a world that presses people to live their lives their way.
Social Media challenges us with hashtags like #yolo (You Only Live Once) and #livingmybestlife.
Our society constantly tells us how we should act, dress, and decorate our homes. We get caught up in the comparison trap of who takes more vacations or has a better, shinier career. I am here to remind you that while we have been gifted days, months, and years, ultimately, it is not our time.
God gives us a specific time for His purposes.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
- Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV
Why does God want to give you a future? Because He has a plan.
What is God’s plan? To give you a purpose.
His purpose is for you to do whatever He has called you to while creating disciples!
If His purpose for you is to be a doctor, it's not just so that you can be the most prestigious in the country. His purpose for you is to exhibit a way of life that aligns with the Gospel, giving glory to God!
If God’s purpose for you is to be a teacher, it's not to exceed testing scores or awards. The goal is for others to see how you teach, welcome, and love children like Jesus, expressing gratitude to the Lord for your patience and ability.
Your time is your purpose, and your purpose brings glory to God.
Reevaluating The Time
You are divinely chosen for the life you are in, and that means you may have to put some stuff down.
Are you struggling with sexual sin and impurities? Put it aside!
Do you find yourself angry and engulfed in fits of rage? Lay it at Jesus’ feet!
Are there places in your life where your integrity doesn’t line up with what your mouth declares? Ask God to help you turn it around.
When we surrender these things, we can truly walk in the freedom of His time.
Opportunity During Hard Times
The Apostle Paul finds himself in jail, and he is writing the book of Colossians to encourage the church. In this dire and discouraging season, he writes:
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.”
- Colossians 4:2-4, NKJV
Paul asks the church to pray for God to grant him opportunities to share the Gospel right where he is.
You can be in a prison season in your life and still find an opportunity in your present time to give glory to God and lead people to Jesus!
Paul didn’t leave it at that. He encouraged those in societal freedom to walk in wisdom in their dealings with those not part of the Body of Christ. Furthermore, as Paul was in a jail cell redeeming his time, he asked those on the outside to do the same.
Redeem The Time
Paul didn’t just ask for opportunities by way of prayer as he endured hardship; he gave us divine revelation into how we can redeem the time God has given to each one of us.
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
- Colossians 4:5, NKJV
Walk the Walk
Do you want to learn how to redeem your time? You have to learn how to walk!
Now, he isn’t talking about a physical walk, but rather the early church’s need to learn how to walk with God! He is speaking in reference to how early believers are commanded to conduct themselves around non-believers.
We are to express kindness, love, and generosity toward them. This behavior is the outward expression that causes wonder about our living God to the world!
Walk in Wisdom
But our walk doesn’t stop there; Paul gives context into how we should walk; we are to walk in wisdom.
So what is wisdom? It is the insight from God we gain through His truth and our experiences. Wisdom cultivates within us common sense.
When my son, John Jr., was smaller, he would never listen to me and would always touch the oven. (Understandably, this made me so nervous!) Well, one day, we were baking cookies, and I don’t know if it was from his hardheadedness or the fact that I was telling him not to do something, but he reached for the cookie sheet and burned his fingers. And do you know what? He has since partnered with learned wisdom and has never touched that oven again!
I’m sure we have all learned things the hard way, the humanly way, and God wants us to know and walk in His way! We do this by reading our Bibles, praying to Him, and watching close as the Holy Spirit shows us how to interact with humanity.
From this godly wisdom, we can see life from God’s perspective.
Making Disciples
No matter which season of life you are in, we live with the purposed time to win lost souls for Jesus, making disciples.
You see, to have a disciple, you must make a disciple. And to make a disciple comes down to how you live and carry yourself.
What are you doing with your time? Are you making the best use of where God has planted you?
Let’s redeem our time so that souls can experience the perfect redemption of Jesus Christ.