Redeem the time
What does it mean to redeem the time? Let us look at what the original Greek word (or words) actually is.
The Greek word
The word (ἐξαγοράζω) is exagorazo (active) and exagorazomai (passive). It means:
- ex – out of
- agora – the marketplace
- to buy up time; to buy it back; to make the most of it; or to rescue it from loss
So what I have to do is buy up time, perhaps in exchange for something else. Let us look at where the word is used:
- Ephesians 5:16 – redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Here Paul gives a reason why we should redeem the time. That reason is stated in the previous verse – we are to walk wisely and do the right thing.
- Colossians 4:5 – redeem the time and walk in wisdom. Both verses, written to two different congregations, express the same thought.
What does this mean in practice?
Time is a precious and passing commodity. Time you have lost can never be recovered. Every period of time in this life can be used only once. So spend your time on what matters.
Seize opportunities, and be wise and on the lookout for opportunities for:
- grace
- service
- spiritual growth
For each of these three there is another Greek word that carries a great deal of meaning – kairos. This word means to identify the right, critical, or available opportunity and to act on it, in God’s time.
Live intentionally, with a purpose, in faith, and apply your resources to the greater task in your life.
Chronos versus Kairos
Two words with the same root, but different meanings:
- Chronos is the word that indicates quantitative time – specific, measurable (60/24/7/52/365), but passing. It is from this word that we get the word chronology – in order of time.
- Kairos is qualitative: the moment within quantitative time when an opportunity arises, for the greater purpose, and to improve the situation.
See Mark 1:15 (kairos); Acts 24:25 (kairos); 2 Corinthians 6:2 (kairos); Galatians 3:13 and 4:5 (exagorazo); and 6:10 (kairos) for examples where the word “time” is connected with exagorazomai (the passive form of exagorazo). Study each example in the context in which it was written.
What about “Carpe Diem”?
This is a Latin expression meaning “Seize the day.” It expresses the same thought. Let us seize the opportunities we have and stop wasting time. No one is saying you may not relax, and sometimes it is necessary to rest and “do nothing,” but do it intentionally. When you are in the marketplace, however (the world around you), be ready to seize opportunities to share the gospel, help someone, and be of service.
“Seize the Day” – Carolyn Arends
A well-known Christian singer, Carolyn Arends, described it like this:
I know a girl who was schooled in Manhattan
She reads dusty books and learns phrases in Latin.
She is an author, or maybe a poet
A genius but it's just this world doesn't know it
She works on her novel most every day.
If you laugh she will saySeize the day, Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day. Pray for grace from God's hand
And nothing will stand in your way. Seize the dayWell, I know a doctor, a fine young physician
Left his six-figure job for a mission position
He's healing the sick in an African clinic
He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics.
He says we work through the night so most every day
so we watch the sun rise we can saySeize the day, Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day. Pray for grace from God's hand
And nothing will stand in your way. Seize the dayWell, I know a man who's been doing some thinking
He's as bitter and cold as the whiskey he's drinking
He's talking 'bout fear, 'bout chances not taken
If you listen to him you can hear his heart breaking
He says one day you're a boy and next day you're dead
I wish way back when someone had saidSeize the day, Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day. Pray for grace from God's hand
And nothing will stand in your way. Seize the dayWell one thing I've noticed wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off any old stage.
You can laugh if you want I'll still saySeize the day, Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day. Pray for grace from God's hand
And nothing will stand in your way. Seize the day
What do you learn from this?
Your task going forward is this: seize opportunities and live intentionally in the time available to you. You cannot get back what you have let slip through your fingers, but you can learn from it not to make the same mistake again. What are you willing to exchange for the time you can redeem in its place?