Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV) “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the sacred duty to redeem time as a precious gift from God, highlighting how the community can turn past mistakes into future blessings through repentance, evangelism, faithful stewardship, active church participation, urgent self-examination, and reflecting divine love in daily actions, all supported by Scripture and inspired writings to inspire us to live with eternal perspective and purpose.

TIME’S PRECIOUS GIFT!

Psalm 90:12 (KJV) reminds us: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” This verse underscores the preciousness of time and our responsibility to use it wisely. Time serves as a divine gift for us of all faiths—Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and others—meant to reflect God’s love, purpose, and redemption. God grants us this gift to fulfill His will and foster spiritual growth. Scripture affirms this through James 4:14 (KJV), “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away,” and Psalm 39:4 (KJV), “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.” A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “Time is money, and many are wasting time which might be used to good account, thus saving money” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 197, 1859). Through inspired counsel we learn, “Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342, 1900). This blog explores how we can redeem lost time by aligning with God’s will, building His kingdom, and embracing opportunities for spiritual growth, especially as we ponder what practical steps mark a true call to action in redeeming our moments.

CALL TO REDEEM LOST TIME!

Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Ellen G. White emphasizes, “We cannot call back even one moment. The only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342, 1900). Redemption involves both repentance and intentional action. Life reveals its fleeting nature in moments we cannot reclaim. God’s mercy transforms the time ahead into meaningful pursuits when we seek wisdom and focus on His plan. Scripture supports this with Colossians 4:5 (KJV), “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time,” and Proverbs 27:1 (KJV), “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” The inspired pen notes, “Every Christian is a steward of God, entrusted with His goods” (Review and Herald, May 16, 1882). A prophetic voice adds, “God requires that his stewards be faithful in watching for souls as they that must give an account” (Review and Herald, September 4, 1883). By seeking wisdom and focusing on God’s plan, we align ourselves with a divine purpose that transcends the temporary, raising the question of how we might channel this redemption into constructing something lasting for eternity.

BUILD KINGDOM NOW!

One way to redeem time is through evangelism. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” Sr. White echoes, “The Christian who faithfully presents the word of life…is bringing to the foundation material that will endure” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 599, 1911). Sharing God’s message plants seeds that yield eternal fruit even if the harvest appears delayed. Our efforts in evangelism construct lasting foundations in God’s kingdom. Scripture reinforces this idea in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” and Matthew 28:19 (KJV), “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” In Counsels on Stewardship we read, “The Lord designs that the means entrusted to us shall be used in building up His kingdom. His goods are entrusted to His stewards that they may be carefully traded upon, and bring back a revenue to Him in the saving of souls” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 35, 1940). Through inspired counsel we are told, “These souls in their turn will become stewards of trust, cooperating with Christ to further the interests of God’s cause” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 35, 1940). Sharing God’s message is like planting seeds; we may not see the harvest immediately, but the fruit of our labor will last eternally, prompting us to consider what faithful stewardship looks like in managing the gifts entrusted to us.

STEWARD FAITHFULLY!

Time redemption also involves stewardship. Sr. White writes, “It will not do for us to float along with the current; we are to be laborers together with God” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, March 1, 1887). God grants us resources, skills, and opportunities not for idle use but for His glory. We nurture our spiritual lives through prayer, study, and intentional service much like a gardener tends plants. Scripture highlights this in 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV), “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God,” and 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV), “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” A passage from Testimonies for the Church states, “We have a sacred, testing, sanctifying truth; and if our habits and practices are not in accordance with the truth, we are sinners against great light, and are proportionately guilty” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 494, 1889). The inspired pen affirms, “It will be far more tolerable for the heathen in the day of God’s retributive justice than for us” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 494, 1889). Like a gardener tending to plants, we must nurture our spiritual lives through prayer, study, and intentional service, leading us to ask if we actively engage in the collective mission of our faith community.

CHURCH’S VITAL ROLE!

The church is central to our mission of redeeming time. Sr. White reminds us, “Loyalty to Christ demands the faithful performance of church duties” (Education, p. 269, 1903). The church provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to share the gospel beyond mere worship. Active participation joins us in a collective effort to bring hope to the world. Scripture illustrates this in Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV), “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” and Ephesians 4:16 (KJV), “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” In Testimonies for the Church we read, “The song of praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ’s representatives, are God’s appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship into which there can enter nothing that defileth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 491, 1889). A prophetic voice shares, “If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 492, 1889). Through active participation, we join a collective effort to bring hope to the world, inviting reflection on why urgency in self-examination becomes essential in this journey.

URGENT SELF-CHECK!

Time is not an unlimited resource. Ellen G. White warns, “Not one wrong will be righted after Jesus comes!” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 21, 1990). This urgency calls us to self-examination. David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me, O God, and know my heart”—invites us to open ourselves to God’s refining work. Confronting weaknesses and seeking guidance redirect our lives toward His purpose. Scripture emphasizes this with Romans 13:11 (KJV), “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed,” and 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV), “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” Through inspired counsel we discover, “We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 82, 1889). The inspired pen observes, “There has been a great change, not for the better, but for the worse, in the habits and customs of the people in reference to religious worship” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 498, 1889). By confronting our weaknesses and asking for His guidance, we can redirect our lives toward His purpose, challenging us to explore how this redemption mirrors the boundless love of our Creator.

REFLECT LOVE DIVINE!

God’s love is patient and redemptive, offering us opportunities to grow despite past failures. Sr. White writes, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). This exchange of grace illustrates the depth of His love. We participate in His redemptive work by sharing His love with others when we redeem the time. Scripture conveys this in John 13:34 (KJV), “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another,” and 1 John 4:19 (KJV), “We love him, because he first loved us.” A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets declares, “We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 535, 1890). A prophetic voice explains, “The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority” (The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 1898). When we redeem the time, we participate in His redemptive work by sharing His love with others, thus glorifying Him, as we contemplate the culminating call to embrace this responsibility fully.

ETERNAL REDEMPTION CALL!

Redeeming the time is both a personal and communal responsibility. By prioritizing God’s mission, actively participating in the church, and embracing our role as stewards, we transform fleeting moments into eternal blessings. As Sr. White states, “Each day we are deciding our eternal destiny” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342, 1900). God calls the community to examine hearts, seek wisdom, and dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s work. Scripture upholds this in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” and Luke 12:35 (KJV), “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning.” In Counsels on Stewardship we read, “If our people had the love of God in the heart, if every church member were imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice, there would be no lack of funds for home and foreign missions; our resources would be multiplied” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 36, 1940). Through inspired counsel we hear, “A thousand doors of usefulness would be opened; and we should be invited to enter” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 36, 1940). Let us, therefore, examine our hearts, seek wisdom, and dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s work. Each moment redeemed is a testament to God’s love and an investment in eternity.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I integrate the principles of redeeming time into my daily devotions, allowing them to refine my character and align my priorities with eternal values?

In what ways can we present these timeless truths on stewardship and urgency to varied groups, ensuring clarity for both long-time members and newcomers while upholding scriptural integrity?

What prevalent misunderstandings about time management and God’s grace exist in our circles, and how might Scripture and Sr. White’s insights clarify them compassionately?

How can we as individuals and congregations embody the call to redeem time, becoming living examples of hope and faithfulness amid a world in need of God’s redemptive love?