“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15–16 NKJV
“Redeeming the time” sounds like a time-management tip: work smarter, waste less, do more. But Paul wasn’t writing a productivity guide. He was describing a way of life, and it’s far more freeing than a better schedule.
What “Redeeming the Time” Means
A modern translation puts it like this:
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:15–17 NLT
To redeem the time is to make the most of every opportunity: to treat each day as something God has given, and to use it for what matters to Him. Paul gives three reasons and guides in these verses:
- Live wisely. Walk carefully, not carelessly.
- Remember the days are evil. We live in a world that pulls us away from God, so drifting is easy.
- Understand what the Lord wants. Wise living starts with knowing His will, not just staying busy.
Filled With the Spirit, Not Just Better Organized
Paul doesn’t stop at verse 17. He goes on: instead of being controlled by wine, “be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18 NLT). Then he describes what that looks like: encouraging one another, worshipping, giving thanks, and serving one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:19–21).
That’s the key. Redeeming the time isn’t white-knuckled self-discipline. It’s a life led by the Spirit. The opportunities Paul has in mind aren’t only tasks to finish. They’re people to love, moments to give thanks, and chances to do what pleases God.
Living Life Intentionally
This is the heart of my book, Renewing Your Mind: Living Life Intentionally. As I wrote in its closing pages:
“Living life intentionally is all about realizing that every moment of your day is an investment of your time. Where you choose to invest that time is a tangible demonstration as to what matters most to you.”
Jesus said the same thing about our treasure: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34 NLT). How we spend our days shows what we treasure.
And every day is a fresh opportunity. In the book I put it this way:
“Every minute of every day is an opportunity to recommit, to begin new, to look forward, to set my focus on His Word, His purposes, His plan…”
Our Days Are Limited, and That’s a Gift
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NLT
Knowing our time is short isn’t meant to make us anxious. It helps us choose well. When we remember that each day is a gift, we hold it with more care.
How to Redeem the Time
- Start the day with God. Before the day’s demands arrive, turn your heart to Him in His Word and prayer.
- Ask what the Lord wants. In a decision, a conversation or an open hour, ask: “What would please God here?”
- Notice the drift. What fills your time without filling your life? Scrolling, worry, comparison?
- Look for people. Many of the best opportunities are a word of encouragement, a phone call, an act of kindness.
- Give thanks. Paul ties a Spirit-filled life to giving thanks: “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 NLT). Gratitude changes how we see our days.
- Rest well. Redeeming the time isn’t filling every minute. God built rest into life, and rest received from Him is time well spent.
Go Deeper
My book, Renewing Your Mind: Living Life Intentionally, walks through how God renews our minds so we can live each day on purpose, in love, faith, hope, gratitude, joy and peace.
One Day at a Time
We redeem the time one ordinary day at a time, as God’s Word reshapes how we think and what we value. At Renewing Your Mind Discipleship Ministry, we teach a simple way to engage God’s Word in those moments, in four parts. We call it The Process.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
