To effectively redeem the time, as the hour of Jesus’s return approaches, we must deeply cultivate our awareness of Christ-consciousness and the Kingdom of Heaven. To redeem the time, is to make God and His word our priority over our pursuit of worldly passions and gains. 1 Peter 4:7-11, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray”. For us to redeem the time efficiently and wisely, we must endeavour to desire spiritual gifts over physical gifts, and the presence of God in our lives over what the world offers. Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. In order for us to redeem the time effectively, we must firstly be aware of the circumstances and impact of the times that we are living in. John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.“
The word “REDEEM” is the Greek word exagorazo and it literally means “to buy out of the marketplace.” I vividly remember my mother saying a couple of times that, “Life is a market place, where we go, with the aim of buying things at bargain prices if we are wise enough, and after we finish buying from the market, we must return home”. Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The inevitable truth is that we cannot live in the market place and must go home at some point. However, when we get home, we must take stock of what we purchased at the marketplace. Galatians 6:7-8, ” Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The key question then is “when we leave this world and return to God, would we be happy, content and confidently give a good account of how we spent our lives in the earth? 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Also, in Romans 14:12, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God”. Jesus is coming soon to receive His beloved Bride, and it is expedient that we are prepared, ready and waiting for His imminent coming. Matthew 3:2, “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Also in Ezekiel 30:3, “For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near, a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations”.
It is vital to understand that the devil will do all he can to distract, entice and stop us from redeeming this time because he understands that the end has come. But we must not be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. 2 Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices”. When we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and the word of God, we will most assuredly redeem the time wisely and triumphantly because the Holy Spirit is our Divine Helper in every way. We undoubtedly need the help of the Holy Spirit to adequately redeem the time. John 14:26, But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”.
Key Factors that enable us to adequately redeem the time wisely in these End-times:
(a) Faith in God, His word and promises, obedience to God.
(b) The reverential fear of God.
(c) Agape Love.
(d) Fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
(e) Divine wisdom, knowledge and discernment.
(f) God’s grace and mercy.
How do we redeem the time now that the days are evil and the hour is short?
1. Prioritize your time wisely and avoid distractions:
2. Seek godly wisdom and discernment.
3. Ask for God’s help, grace and mercy.
4. Develop a lifestyle of praise, worship, prayer and fasting.
5. Become a diligent seeker of God’s will and draw close to the Holy Spirit.
6. Take out time to examine yourself whether you are in alignment with God, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
7. Desist from all appearances of evil, sin, temptations and ungodly companies.
8. Seek the things of Heaven over the things of the earth.
9. Make every effort to live a holy, righteous and truthful life.
10. Be a soul winner and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
11. Do not neglect fellowshipping with the brethren.
12. Endeavour to do good works unto others, especially those who are in need.
13. Be vigilant, alert and sober-minded.
14. Study the word of God, meditate on it and be a doer of the word of God.
God bless you!