redeem

Ephesians 5:15-16 - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  

“Because the days are evil.”  When you hear that phrase what is your immediate thought?  Mine is to think “how can I counter the evil or how can I fight for the truth.”  Yes, my thoughts are a little combative...I will leave that to you to determine what it means about me.  But that is beside the point.  Look at the beginning of the verse: “making the best use of the time”.  Isn’t that interesting.  It isn’t a call to take up the sword in order to counter the evil, no, but it is call to action.  It is a call to redeem the time.  For each Christian redeeming the time will look different.  Some are called to preach, some are called to serve, be hospitable, encourage - each are called to something different (Romans 12: 4-8).  If they are not using those tasks actively - in each moment of the day - they are not redeeming the time – they are not countering the evil.  Jonathan Edwards (a man who more recently has greatly inspired me) had two specific live resolutions that sum up my point.  The first: Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.  The second: Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory.  Do not gloss over those.  Read them again.  Did you catch that?  He resolved that he would never lose any moment of time.  And then what does he describe as how he would use his time wisely?  That he will do what most glorifies God.  Redeeming the time does not just mean not to waste your time, Edwards takes it to the next step.  Redeeming the time means every decision we make should glorify God.  When that happens evil will be conquered.  Because it will mean God’s people are not sitting idly by waiting for Jesus to return, it will mean they are actively taking part in the world - seeking to never lose a moment of their time - seeking to do that which most glorifies God.