What is meant by “redeeming the time”?
Question:
What does God mean when He said, ‘’Do not waste your time, because the days are evil”? Does this mean saving your homework for another day when you are tired is a sin?
Answer:
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:6-17).
The NASB95, which I quoted above gives "making the most of your time" instead of "redeeming the time." The Greek text uses a word that means to continually purchase for your own benefit. Thus, we are being urged to "buy back" our wasted time in order to put it to better use.
The reason is that these are evil days. There are many temptations and sins that can distract us from doing the good that needs to be accomplished.
An example would the hours some young men waste watching pornography. There are so many better things to do with your time, so "buy the time back" by no longer watching the junk.
This isn't talking about daily chores but about having time to do good things. I've heard people say that they don't have time to go to Bible studies, visit a friend who is ill, or do a favor for the elderly people down the street, but if you look at the number of time-wasting frivolities they are involved in it is a wonder they have time to sleep. Often what is really needed is to limit the frivolities and then there will be time to get the good things done.
