At the end of a calendar year and the beginning of a new one, we tend to reflect upon the passage of time. When I was young, it seemed that time was standing still when I was waiting for my birthday, Christmas or some other special event. As I’ve gotten older, it seems that time passes too quickly – for there is never enough time to get everything done each day. For those in their later years, as daily responsibilities and activities decrease, time can once again seem to pass more slowly. We all realize at one point or another that each person has a different perception of how fast time is passing. Yet, regardless of your perception of time, do you know that you are held responsible for how you use it? While we are not certain of the amount of time we have on this earth, we are all given equal time to “spend” each day. No one is richer or poorer in terms of time. We all have the same amount. While the Bible says that we are the owners of our time, often it seems like our time owns us. This happens as we allow others to become the owners of what God has give us to use for Him.

Our lives consist of a constant battle for who gets to control our time. Some is spent at work. Some is spent watching TV. Some is spent on social media. Some is spent on school activities and sports. Some is spent on entertainment. Some is spent eating and cleaning and just doing life. Some is also spent on our church activities or our walk with the Lord. There seems to be no limit to the many possibilities and places where we can spend our time.

In contrast to spending time, the Bible tells us to “redeem” the time. The word “redeem” is a term once associated with slavery. It is a word that means “to recover from the power of another”. How often does our time come under the power of another? Here are a few ways to help you keep your time redeemed in the coming year.

1. Analyze your Time – Just before we are told be “redeeming the time”, Paul tells us to “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” (Ephesians 5:15). To walk circumspectly has the idea to walk around something and analyze it from all angles before proceeding. In much the same way that you would want to fully inspect a car from every angle before buying it, you need to be doing that with your time. Ask yourself some hard questions about each use of your time. Is this really important? Is it within your control? Does it contribute to your spiritual wellbeing or build the Lord’s kingdom? Before you can redeem the time, you must understand how your time is being used and who you are allowing to control it.


2. Own your Time - You will probably say that you don’t have power over most of your time. You may not even know where your time is going each day. God gives you the time you have each day to direct and manage. You need to take the ownership back from others who would try to control it if you are going to be successful at redeeming the time. It may be as simple as shutting off the TV and spending more time in prayer and Bible study. It may need be a hard choice about what hours you can work or which activities you allow for your kids. However, as long as others own your time, you have not been successful at redeeming it.


3. Offer your Time – Just like our talents and our treasure, God wants an offering of your time. And just like every other offering, it will require sacrifice. You must choose to make time to be at the church services each week. This may mean that you must sacrifice other time commitments in order to offer your time to the Lord. This time is not just an offering to the Lord, it is an investment in your own spiritual health and in your own eternity. Laying up treasure in heaven begins by offering your time to the Lord.

Why are we called to redeem our time? Because “the days are evil”. There are many temptations for us to use our time in unwise ways. We also know that as our world plummets into moral decay, the coming of Christ is getting closer. Whether Christ comes or not in your lifetime, you know that your time is limited. As you head into the new year make a commitment to redeem your time. Make the most out of every minute for the Lord and start making a greater investment in the timeless eternity that lays ahead of every believer.