The truth is, though we know how legitimately busy we can get sometimes, we have not always used our time (or, even worse, that of others), as wisely or effectively as we ought. For not managing time properly, and the inevitable consequences that follow, we should be deeply troubled and convicted.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15, 16)

There are only so many hours in any given day. As we get older that always gives one pause to think about time, especially since the days and weeks seem to fly by at an ever swifter pace. Granted that none of us manages his or her time perfectly. But for whatever real or imagined reason, reflecting on the preciousness and scarcity of time, and one’s proper use of it, is extremely important and immanently proper and Biblical.

All time is a gift of God’s grace, a gift we are responsible to the Lord to use wisely as good stewards for His glory and kingdom, and for the good of others, as well as of ourselves.

Squandering time is foolish, disobedient and sinful.

Jonathan Edwards, in his conscience-pricking reflection upon Ephesians 5:16, entitled The Preciousness of Time, and the Importance of Redeeming It, offers four reasons why we should highly value and guard the time God gives each of us:

1. "Because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill" use of time. See, for instance, the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16.

2. "Time is very short." The scarcer a commodity, the more valuable. How many would trade all their gold for just a little more time?

3. "Time ought to be esteemed by us very precious, because we are uncertain of its continuance. We know that it is very short, but we know not how short."

4. Time is so highly valuable "because when it is past, it cannot be recovered."

In sum, according to Jonathan Edwards, "upon time we should set a high value, and be exceeding careful that it be not lost; and we are therefore exhorted to exercise wisdom and circumspection, in order that we may redeem it."

There are various steps you might take to redeem the time. For instance, you might buy a Day-Timer (and actually use it!). Or, you could read a book or two on time management and really put into practice what you’ve read.

Certainly, you ought to commit your use of time to prayer and, very importantly, make yourself accountable to one or more persons for your use of time.

But the crux of the matter is seeking to manage and redeem time with eternity and eternity’s God in view. And that is what many of the books and articles, even by self-avowed Christians, often miss.

When Paul exhorts us to redeem the time and walk circumspectly and wisely, he offers as a reason: "because the days are evil." Does he mean that there is no good to be found in time, that all we see every day and all that we might possibly do is purely evil? Or, that we should just hang it up, end our life, and get to heaven where the days are all filled with good? Hardly!

Jonathan Edwards suggests that the evil is found in man’s sin and rebellion, and that we should redeem the time because we do not know when God’s patience with human wickedness may run out, and He come in judgement. Now, that is a reason to redeem the time!

This does not mean that we neglect our various duties in this present life, as did the Thessalonians. If any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:10,11)

But it does mean that we should carefully and prayerfully order our time in terms of God’s priorities as outlined in His Word and in light of eternity.

Friends, time is indeed very precious. The question we should ask ourselves is, How effectively am I using the time God allots to me? Am I getting the right things done?

Am I spending time in God’s Word and on my knees each day, as well as gathering faithfully in worship and fellowship, seeking prayerfully to know from Him what are these right things?

That is the place to begin—the way of wisdom. Then, and only then, will you make true progress to redeem the time. God grant us grace to use His time to the glory of God, for all time ultimately belongs to Him.

The Author: David L. Burke, a former systems analyst and programmer for Boeing Aircraft, now serves as pastor of Ortega Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. (www.OrtegaPres.org)