Today I read Ephesians 5:15-17, which says,
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Or as the KJV puts it, which in this case is a very literal rendering of the Greek, “Redeeming the time.”
As Constantine Campbell explains in the Pillar commentary, Paul did not have modern time management principles in mind. This isn’t about being productive, efficient, or strategic with our schedules.
(Actually, those priorities might keep us from redeeming the time for the Lord!).
Campbell explains,
Redeeming the time in that context appears to mean—since unbelievers currently live under the domain of darkness (Col 1:13)—that believers are to make the most of any opportunity to speak of their hope in Christ (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). Given the parallel with Col 4:5–6, and the spiritual import of the days being evil, Eph 5:16 probably refers to making the most of every opportunity to be light in a dark world (5:8). “Redeeming the time” is less about time management and more about the wise conduct of light in the dark.
He then goes onto explain the next verses, making it clear that the way we redeem the time is to wisely understand and implement God’s will for our lives:
Thus, understanding the will of the Lord does not refer to special knowledge of the specifics of God’s will, as though believers should know what decisions to make in certain circumstances. Understanding the Lord’s will is knowing in general how the Lord would have his people conduct themselves. It has to do with character, worship, and service, rather than the idiosyncrasies of decision-making.
So… what does this look like?
Often, when I read suggestions for ‘redeeming the time’ I get the sense that I am learning about tactics and techniques. While those have their place, it feels like a very instrumental mindset. By contrast, “living as light” feels more associated with bringing hope, wisdom, and goodness into our communities.
What does that look like?
First, it means we need to spend time basking in the light of God’s presence. If we are not enlightened by the Spirit, then we have no light to shine. Of course, God is always with us and always loves us. At the same time, we have the responsibility to cultivate awareness of his loving presence in our hearts.
Second, I think it means we ask the question, “How can I build trust with this person?” Instead of looking to change people, we can trust God to handle that complicated challenge. (I can hardly change myself!). But if we consistently show up as trustworthy, caring, helpful people, then we will build bridges.
Third, it involves the courage to share our experiences of God at work in our life. How is God answering our prayers, encouraging our hearts, motivating our lives, empowering us to serve? Without being preachy, rude, condescending, or self-righteous, we can testify to the goodness of God.
If we are employed, it looks like refusing to compromise our ethical principles. There’s always a temptation to justify going along with ‘best practices’ that we have the spiritual discernment to know are wrong. By stating an unwillingness to participate in what is evil—and proposing, if we can, an ethical approach that would be just as effective—we show the wisdom of God’s ways. (Think of Daniel in Babylon).
If we are able, it means living a generous life. Whether that looks like sharing our time, money, gifts, or other resources, when we show that we are concerned with the needs of others more than piling up more and more for ourselves, it demonstrates our trust in God. (I am not saying to be financially irresponsible).
To the degree that Christians around us are passionate about the Lord’s work, wise, and safe, it looks like vulnerably sharing our challenges with one another, encouraging each other, and praying for one another to boldly live for Christ. We are engaged in spiritual warfare; we need one another’s support.
How have you applied this passage to your life? How does it grip you with urgency to live each day for the Lord — while also trusting the wise timing of God?