In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, understanding how to make the most of our time is crucial for every believer. The concept of "redeeming the time" isn't just about time management—it's about recognizing Christ's supremacy and sufficiency in our lives and allowing that understanding to transform how we live each day.
Redeeming the time means making the most of every opportunity we have. In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul provides a climactic statement on this topic:
"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
This passage reveals that redeeming the time involves:
But we can't truly redeem the time until we understand who Christ is and what He has done.
The letter to the Colossians powerfully establishes Christ's supremacy and sufficiency. Paul wrote to this church (which he had never visited) because false teachers were threatening to draw believers away from their trust in Jesus.
If we're going to make an impact on this world and properly make the most of our time, we need to know that Jesus is Lord over all creation. His creative authority encompasses the entire material and spiritual universe. Since this includes angels and planets, Christ deserves to be worshiped above all.
This means:
As the Psalmist wrote: "The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Jesus Christ is preeminent in the church as its creator and Savior. He is its life and leader, and to Him alone the church is to submit. He is the head of the church.
This truth should encourage us to remain rooted in Him rather than becoming enchanted with seductive words from false teachers or celebrity preachers who don't align with God's Word.
In Christ, all man-made distinctions fade and barriers fall. He has made all Christians into one family where all members are equal in forgiveness and adoption. There are no special qualifications or requirements for experiencing God's favor—everything is by faith in Him.
As Paul writes in Colossians 3:11: "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."
In Colossians 3-4, Paul provides practical implications of Christ's supremacy for believers' daily lives. He uses the word "Lord" nine times in these chapters, indicating that Christ's supremacy affects every relationship and activity.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)
Paul instructs believers to:
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:15-16)
The way to have God's peace in your life is through understanding the sovereignty, supremacy, and sufficiency of God. When we recognize God is in control of everything, we can walk without fear.
The climax of Paul's teaching on redeeming the time comes in Colossians 4:2-6, where he emphasizes:
One of the most important ways we redeem the time is by sharing the gospel with others. Paul urges believers to pray that God would "open a door for the word" and that they would know how to speak the mystery of Christ.
This responsibility belongs to every believer—not just pastors or church leaders. If we truly want to make the most of our time, we must tell people about Jesus. We can't just wash our hands of this responsibility and leave it to social media, the pastor, or others.
At the judgment seat of Christ, we'll answer for what we did to advance His kingdom. Did we tell someone about Jesus? Did we invite them to church? What did we do beyond our religious rituals?
Is Jesus truly Lord of your life? Not just someone you've said a prayer about or been baptized for, but is He supreme? Is He first and foremost in your life?
Take time this week to evaluate your priorities by asking yourself:
What takes precedence in my life over Jesus? My job? Relationships? Freedom? Money? Material things? Family?
How am I spending my time? Am I spending hours on television, social media, or other activities while neglecting God's Word and prayer?
Am I making an impact for Christ in this world? Am I sharing the gospel and inviting others to know Jesus?
Do I truly understand and live in light of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency?
Challenge yourself to make one concrete change this week that reflects Christ's lordship in your life. Perhaps commit to daily prayer and Bible reading before checking social media, or look for an opportunity to share Christ with someone who doesn't know Him.
Remember, we can only truly love others when we love God first and most. When Jesus is supreme in our lives, everything else falls into proper order, and we truly redeem the time for His glory.