A Wise Fool Part 5: Redeeming the time

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." — Ephesians 5:15-16

In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul encourages believers to walk wisely, making the most of every opportunity. The Greek word for “redeeming” (exagorazó) means “to buy back” or “to seize.” In this context, redeeming the time means seizing the moment and using it for God’s purposes, rather than letting it slip away.

The Fool:

The fool is careless with their time, living without intentionality. They are easily distracted by the world and squander their time on trivial pursuits. The Greek word for time (kairos) refers to opportune moments. The fool fails to discern these moments, letting them pass by unnoticed and missing opportunities for growth, service, and eternal impact. Especially in light of the "evil days"—a world filled with sin and distractions that pull us away from God's purposes—the fool becomes a time-waster.

The Wise:

The wise person lives with intentionality and discernment. They walk diligently, and the Greek word for "diligently" implies both precision and accuracy. The wise use their time in alignment with God's will, recognizing the importance of seizing opportunities to serve and love others. They understand that time is limited and that they will give an account of how they spent their days. Even when days have been lost, the wise know how to redeem them for God's kingdom, turning past failures into fruitful opportunities.

Practical Tip: Conduct a time audit and honestly assess where distractions and time-wasters creep in. Then, replace those wasted moments with time spent seeking God and hearing from Him on how to use your time wisely.

Prayer:
Abba Father, help me to walk wisely and diligently, redeeming the time You’ve given me. Teach me to use my time intentionally and avoid distractions. My time is in Your hands. Amen.