Walking in Wisdom Pt. 2Sample

Redeeming Time: The Second Characteristic of Wise Living

Living wisely, as delineated in Ephesians 5:16 with the words “making the most of your time,” encapsulates the essence of living redemptively. This concept is more than a mere suggestion; it’s a directive to approach each moment with the intention of eternal significance, akin to a diligent merchant in the marketplace of life, seeking valuable opportunities to invest in what lasts forever.

Just as you would meticulously plan a trip overseas with minute-by-minute details, so we too are called to navigate our earthly sojourn with purpose and precision. The folly of squandering precious moments on trivial pursuits is akin to choosing the dim glow of a television screen in a hotel room over the rich tapestry of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure waiting for you outside. The true traveler’s spirit understands the value of each moment, recognizing that this journey through life is our sole opportunity to make an indelible impact for the eternal kingdom of God.

This perspective requires a profound understanding of the transient nature of our earthly existence and the enduring significance of our spiritual endeavors. We are reminded that our time here is limited, a mere stopover on the way to our eternal home. This realization should imbue our daily lives with a sense of urgency and purpose, propelling us to invest in what truly matters.

In this light, our earthly pursuits take on new meaning. Every action and every decision becomes an opportunity to contribute to an eternal narrative. This is the essence of living redemptively: viewing each day, each encounter, as a divine appointment to reflect God’s love and truth in a world in need of both.

1 Peter 1:17 eloquently captures this sentiment, urging us to “conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth.” This is not a fear born of anxiety, but a reverential awe of the divine mandate bestowed upon us. It’s a call to live with the conscious awareness that we are pilgrims, ambassadors of a heavenly kingdom, tasked with a mission that transcends the temporal boundaries of this world.

To live wisely is to live with an eternal perspective, to see beyond the immediate to the everlasting. It’s to recognize our role as stewards of the time God has granted us, making each moment count not just for the here and now, but for eternity. This is the second characteristic of the wise life: to live redemptively, making the most of every opportunity, for our time on earth is but a brief sojourn in the grand scheme of God’s eternal plan. Think back to this past week. How meticulous were you when it came to the time gifted to you by God? If you weren’t, it’s ok. Start today.