Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16) 

 

“Westerners have watches. Africans have time.” So said Os Guinness, quoting an African proverb in his book Impossible People. That caused me to ponder the times I have responded to a request with, “I don’t have time.” I thought about the tyranny of the urgent and how schedules and deadlines dominate my life. 

 

Moses prayed in Psalm 90, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (v. 12). And Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly . . . Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). 

 

I suspect that Paul and Moses would agree that our wise use of time isn’t just a matter of clock-watching. The situation may call for us to keep a tight schedule—or it may compel us to give someone an extended gift of our time. 

 

We have but a brief moment to make a difference for Christ in our world, and we need to maximize that opportunity. That may mean ignoring our watches and planners for a while as we show Christ’s patient love to those He brings into our lives. 

 

As we live in the strength and grace of the timeless Christ, we impact our time for eternity. 

 

Father, You have given us all the time we need to accomplish what You have given us to do. May we use our time in ways that honor You. Amen. 

 

When I read this it blessed me. So often we miss opportunities God places in our lives because we “don’t have time”. Today, let’s take a moment and maximize an opportunity to make time for someone in need. Time management is not about clock-watching, it’s about making the most of the time we have. I know I needed this reminder today, Thank You Lord!  

 

Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is James 1:5