βRedeeming the time, because the days are evilβ (Eph. 5:16).
Time is a very precious commodityβhere one minute, gone the next! If we were to paraphrase βredeeming the time,β it would probably come out something like this: βMaking wise use of the opportunities we are given.β This, of course, transcends every area of our Christian experience.
We must take advantage of the opportunities which come our way to tell others about the Mystery. You would be amazed at the number who have written us to share how their search for the truth came to an end when one of our βgrace peopleβ opened Paulβs gospel to them. The letters usually go something like this: βIΒ sensedΒ there was something more, but I just couldnβt put my finger on it until I heard the Word, rightly divided!β We tend to rationalize that our Christian friends are so entrenched in denominationalism that they would never receive this message, even if we did tell them. This may be true, but how many opportunities have been passed by due to our reluctance to open our mouthΒ boldlyΒ to make known the Mystery?
Perhaps we need to write these words anew on the tablets of our hearts:
βWalk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evilβ (Eph. 5:15,16).
βPraying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spiritβ¦for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospelβ¦ that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speakβ (Eph. 6:18-20). source
