Redeem the Time NOW!

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ~ Ephesians 5

We have all heard those potent words before: "Redeem the time," "Seize the day (Carpe Diem)", "Today matters," and so on. Ephesians 5 is a potent chapter that begins with the mandate to follow the example of God Himself. Immediately following that we are encouraged to live the purest life possible. Then, if those mandates aren't "heavy" enough, Paul adds the idea of being wise and not wasting time on foolish things. He literally says for us to make the most of every opportunity we have to live like God, to be pure, to let love shine, and to make our lives matter for the Lord. 

Redeem the Time | Look Inside 

What is on your heart and mind today? Seriously, what consumes you? If every thought is about you and your concerns and needs then you need to step back away from yourself and really look inside. Ephesians 5 opens with this concept of being like God Himself. God gave Himself up for us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. He thought of us ... those He wanted to bless. It is an easy cop-out to think only of yourself. What happens though when you and I stop focusing on "us" and start looking for ways to bless others. Looking inside ourselves helps us see our tendency to be just a bit too self-focused. Here are a couple of biblical thoughts:

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." ~ Luke 6:38

Redeem the Time | Look Outside 

Where is the opportunity that is before you? The opportunity to bless, help, and encourage is outside of us. The desire to bless comes from within ... so the looking inside step is very crucial. But once that is settled, if you really look for it, there is opportunity all around you to make a difference.

I have a good friend named John. It seems that all this man does is look for people to bless. He finds people and strives to bless them. He blesses me. And here is the best part: as he blesses, he is blessed. I believe, check that, I KNOW that when we take the focus off of ourselves and make the most of every opportunity to bless others we ourselves will enjoy the best of blessings.

Redeem the Time | Look Ahead

The time we have today is to be used to imitate God, serve others, and enjoy the blessings from doing so. But living only for today is not wise. Paul added, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise." Part of wise living is knowing that tomorrow will be here ... tomorrow! The service and love we share today is laying the foundation for how we will enjoy life tomorrow and on into the future. 

How do you see your future? Look ahead. Visualize it in your mind's eye. See what serving others today will do for you tomorrow. Ah yes, this will motivate your actions for today. Making the most of today will reap blessing for today but lay the groundwork for a blessed tomorrow.

Redeem the Time | Look Above

This is the easy part of our drive to redeem the time. Looking towards heaven and remembering that the life and love you have are gifts from God Himself. "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." ~ Colossians 3:2

As we look above we can't help but sense God's presence with us and feel His love for us. We will remember that He has created us for His purposes. Look above!

I trust these thoughts have been a blessing for you.

Tony Guthrie
404-933-0418
tguthriebiz@gmail.com

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