Redeeming The Time

Let’s dive into Ephesians 5:16 today. I have this verse on one of my calendars in our foyer, because it carries so much value for me.

In the King James version this verse says: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
In the ESV translation, which can be easier to read, it says: “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

What It Means:

1. Redeeming the Time
   • The Greek phrase here literally means “buying up the opportunities”, like a wise momma at the grocery store, intentionally grabbing bargains and stocking up while they’re available.
   • It’s not just about clock time, but about kairos (meaning the right) God-given opportunities.
   • Paul is urging believers to be intentional and seize every chance to do good, to share Christ, to grow in holiness, and to serve others.
2. Because the Days Are Evil (I had to wrestle with what this meant, because I didn’t want to believe that the days were evil, and I didn’t understand it)
   • Paul was writing to Christians in Ephesus, a city that was full of pagan worship and cultural corruption. Evil surrounded them, sound familiar? Evil still surrounds us today.
   • Because sin and distraction are everywhere, time easily slips away or gets wasted.
   • Evil days call for wise living, not being passive with our time. Truly, every moment counts.

Let’s look at the larger context here:

If you look at Ephesians 5:15–17:

• “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

This whole section is about living wisely in light of eternity. Instead of drifting instead of our common day doom scrolling, Paul calls us to purposeful living, which is guided by God’s will.

Practical Application

• Be intentional: I tell my kids this all the time, don’t let life just happen. Ask, “How can I use this moment for God’s glory?”
• Say yes to opportunities for good: A conversation, an act of service, a prayer, these are the “moments to redeem.” As much as I have shared about the value in saying “no” in busy seasons of life, I think it’s important I also tell you about the value of saying “YES” when you feel a calling from God to do so.
• Guard against waste: Distraction, procrastination, or chasing material things all steal the precious time we’ve been given. Time is the one thing you cannot get back, live with purpose.
• Live with urgency: Not in panic, but again, in purpose. We don’t know how much time we have, but we know what to do with it, live wisely, love deeply, walk closely with God.

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In short: Ephesians 5:16 reminds us that time is precious and fleeting. The world is full of distractions and evil, so we must wisely and purposefully use every opportunity to glorify God.

I have been turning off my internet, tucking my phone out of sight, limiting distractions as I’ve been head down, eyes upon the Lord, in my bible discerning what this season looks like for me as a person, and how God wants me to nurture our family. In our homeschooling we’re working through The Bible Recap for Kids. What a joy it has been to dig deeper into scripture with my children!

Friend, I am praying for you today as you work to redeem your time. Thank you for taking your time to be here reading this today.

I’m working on a new calendar for our family, as this season changes and our schedules look quite different than they have in the past. I’ll share that here in the shop once it is finished.

My oldest has heard me say (surely thousands of times) “minutes matter”. Use your minutes well, bring honor and Glory to God in all that you do. Spoiler alert, that doesn’t always look like how you’d imagine. It can be in a conversation with a loved one over a sink full of dishes. If the average person spends the majority of their time in the mundane moments of life (which are truly beautiful to me), isn’t that still considered a place to serve? Yes. It’s all about the right timing. Ask Him for guidance, He may be boldly calling you to something you hadn’t imagined. I promise you, if it’s coming from God, it’s going to be good.