What did the apostle Paul mean by "redeeming the time?"
Could he be referring to the "renewing of the mind" or the inner man "being
renewed day by day" or could Bob Dylan have it right, "I was so much older
then; I¹m younger than that now?" No, Paul is not describing a new mindset.
To redeem can mean to buy back or to purchase. This Christ did for us. "For
you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that
you were redeemed from the empty way of life S but with the precious blood
of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (I Peter 1:18-19)
Is it possible to redeem time? Once spent, time is gone and what does one
have to show for it? James writes, "You are just a vapor that appears for a
little while and then vanishes away." Time is precious. For what would you
trade it?
In days long gone, merchants would give to their customers Blue Chip or S&H
Green Stamps. These stamps were saved up, pasted into books and redeemed for
valuable items at redemption centers. Something of value was exchanged for
something else of value.
Here, Paul is encouraging us to use wisely the time that we have. He is
suggesting that we seize every opportunity for doing good. The results may
be saved and change lives. The consequences may be eternal.
In 1979, the late great humorist, Erma Bombeck wrote "If I had my life to
live over, there would have been more I love yous; more I¹m sorrys; but
mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it
and really see it; live it; and never give it back." Amen!
* Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.