[289 words]
Living the way God wants us to live requires the proper consciousness, commitment, and management of time. Paul exhorted, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
What did Paul mean when he said, “walk circumspectly”? The word “circumspectly” (akribos) means “accurately” and “carefully.” Walking “accurately” and “carefully” is our goal as Christians.
What did Paul mean when he said, “redeeming the time”? W. E. Vine said that the word “redeeming” (exagorazo) means “to buy up for oneself” or “buying up the opportunity.” It suggests the idea of using our time and opportunities to the fullest. That is what we must do as Christians.
What are your plans? Are you planning to be steadfast and to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:17-18)? Those are worthy goals! Are you planning to worship God regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25)? That is a worthy goal! Are you planning to teach others about Jesus (Mark 16:15-16)? That, too, is a worthy goal! Are you planning on bearing fruit in His vineyard (John 15:1-8)? What a worthy goal! Are you planning to grow in the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-11)? Wonderful!
To do these things we must do three things: (1) we must “understand what the will of the Lord is,” (2) we must “walk circumspectly,” and (3) we must commit ourselves to “redeeming the time.” We must align our priorities! We must “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Time management is life management!
Dwight Fuqua
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN