Redeeming the Time
I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a niv
The secretary at my church publishes a monthly newsletter detailing church events and news from the members of the congregation. When I expressed an interest in writing an article to be included, my suggestion was met with great enthusiasm.
What she didn\’t know was that she would be dealing with a procrastinator. Sure, I start putting some notes together at the beginning of the month, but I always intend to get them together ‘later.\’ And next thing I know – it\’s the end of the month. Does anyone else do this? Am I the only one who thinks if it\’s worth doing, it will be done better tomorrow?
In high school and college, I always wrote my reports at the last minute. When I started working my first job, I inevitably clocked in late. The only spots on my record were for tardiness.
As I\’ve grown older, I\’ve worked towards becoming more punctual, but on a daily basis, I find trivial things I can put off for just one more day. Won\’t that laundry still be there tomorrow?
The Bible says in Colossians 4:5 – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” The American Heritage Dictionary says that to redeem is to “purchase back; to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price; to repurchase.” It takes effort to redeem time and laziness to waste it. I\’ve noticed when I make the effort to give God a portion of time at the start of my day, often the day\’s events go much smoother, so that the end result is – I have more time.
When was it we decided to be more faithful in our attendance to the church services? Was that last January? It is all too easy to turn the alarm clock off and say, “Oh, I can always start going next Sunday.”
As a Christian, I hope you agree that we don\’t want to be guilty of procrastinating spiritual activities. We always intend to talk to our neighbor about God. We always intend to read the Bible more and memorize the scriptures that help us to be that dynamic witness we want to be.
How often do we say, “Where did the time fly?” The time is at hand. The time to start reading the Bible is now. The time to witness to your neighbor and pray for your family is now. My prayer is that I will redeem the time as I live each day to its fullest for the Lord.
I\’m going to go tackle that laundry now!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for each day. I pray I will be responsible with the time You grant to me. In Jesus\’ Name I pray, Amen.
