Here, we are seeing that one of the key traits of wise people – wise according to God that is – is their ability to seize every opportunity to change into a Godly moment what is by default an evil moment during the day. You may click here for Part 1.

Ephesians 5:15,16 – See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [King James Version]

“Time” here is not any kind of time: Every piece of “time” during your day is a good deal!

Here, the Greek word translated “time” (kairós) is only one of several Greek words translated “time” in the Bible. But the fact that it is this word kairós that is used here is very, very interesting! Kairós is very specific in that it refers not to any time, but to the right time, or the right moment. For example, it is often used to describe the time a tree is ready to bear fruits. There is a set time for that each year, and any other time is just not the right one to bear fruits.  Now, verse 16 states that the days are evil. So you when we buy time, we are essentially transforming an otherwise evil moment into a Godly one. And from kairós, we may understand that every moment in the day is the “right” moment to buy!

We believe an acceptable paraphrase could be…every moment is a good time to transform into a Godly one and one should, each time, endeavor to do this transformation, because otherwise, all the days are evil ones.

“Buying time” is really the “essence” of our ministry

The only other places where we are asked to redeem something – and that something being time – is in Colossians 4:5. And here, the notion of seizing every opportunity to turn an evil moment into a Godly one is repeated here. But here the focus is on our walk with the intention of gaining others.

Colossians 4:5 – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time

So what we see from these two passages is that to wisdom – both in our own personal walk, and toward outsiders  – reduces to the practice of redeeming the time.

So, are you a time dealer?

What God asks us to buy, time, is available everywhere, and…dare we say, every time. That is because in this day and age, days are evil. Every moment of time is an opportunity for us to seize, either to better ourselves with Christ, or to help someone with Christ. But it is our choice and therefore our privilege to decide just how we are going to that. And there are as many ways as there are individual personalities among God’s children. It is exactly in the How we are choosing to do this that the beauty – and the reason – behind our individual differences is best manifested and understood. And one thing is sure; when we do it, we are actually doing what God is asking us to do. And knowing that is worth its price in gold!