It’s good to manage your time, but as a person of faith, better to focus on doing God’s will. Hence, the teaching in Ephesians 5 about life purpose and redeeming the time.
Key Passage: Ephesians 5.14-20
Ok, I have energizing life purpose. And, I’m fulfilled by carrying out that calling through my giftedness.
Also, as I serve, I’m working on being gracious in my attitude and responses to others.
Now, how to best use my time.
Well, that involves my mindset about redeeming the time according to Ephesians 5.14-20.
Some Insights
This series of verses in Ephesians 5 is very Proverb-like. How so? Well, Paul presents a list of short but highly focused statements about how we’re to live.
First, wake up, Ephesians 5.14. There’s no light of revelation and God’s leadership when I’m asleep!
Second, be wise, not foolish, in my lifestyle, Ephesians 5.15. Thus, I’m to be wise and careful in my approach to life. Similarly, the term used in Proverbs for this trait is prudent.
Third, make good use of time, Ephesians 5.16. How so? By discerning and doing God’s will, Ephesians 5.17. Well, duh!
Wake up! Behave wisely. Make good use of your time. Do God’s will! Ephesians 5.14-17 paraphrase by the author. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Finally, instead of an excessive lifestyle, Ephesians 5.18, I’m to be spiritual, gracious, and thankful, Ephesians 5.18-20. As such, I change who I am at my core.
Time Management, Plus
What we have here is not simply a call to better time management so we are best positioned to make life decisions.
Instead, we’re asked to carefully consider our actions based on God’s desire for our lives. Hence, the importance of our spiritual character.
Also, we’re not to abuse our freedom of choice through inaction, or carelessly shallow thinking, or the distractions caused by an unfocused life of excess.
Instead, redeem, thus buy back, time. However, I don’t buy back that which I undervalue. Also, I don’t buy back something unless I have a clear plan for using that asset.
Time management involves habit change. However, buying back time involves character change!
Apply This Today
Having a God-given life purpose, and giftedness for carrying out that purpose, is deeply fulfilling.
Life purpose should drive me toward careful use of my time as I “apply my heart unto wisdom” Psalm 90.12.
Redeeming the time means that I see critical life issues that are bigger than me!
“The Lord make his face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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Originally published August 21, 2020; Revised January 3, 2023