“So teach us to number our days, that we main gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
An item’s value is increased when it is in limited supply. The Bible tells us our days are numbered. When we realize this, we have made the first step to gaining a heart of wisdom. This wisdom tells us we must make the most of our days, knowing that they will someday come to an end.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). To redeem means to buy back. We can do this with objects, but we can’t do this with time. Once time is experienced, it is gone forever. Nonetheless, we are commanded to redeem the time. This is done by spending the time we have left in our lives doing the will of God. What are some things we should be spending our days doing?
1. Seeking first the kingdom of God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our priorities reflect our values. When we spend our time pursuing worldly pleasures, we are sowing a harvest of destruction to be reaped on the Last Day. However, when we pursue things pertaining to God’s kingdom (prayer, attending worship services, studying our Bible) we are “redeeming the time.”
2. Do good to all men. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). As we have opportunity, we are to do what we can to help others. This work is as simple as sending cards and calls of encouragement, helping with cleaning, laundry, and yard work, giving someone a ride, etc. As Paul wrote, we are to redeem the time because “the days are evil.” The proper way to respond to evil is by purposely doing good.
This good service comes with a promise from God: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
3. Glorify God. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This should be a guiding principle in our lives. Does the way we chose to spend our days bring glory to God? Do we pursue things that identify us as His servants, or do we involve ourselves in things that bring reproach upon the cause of Christ?
4. Spread the Gospel. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). There is no better way to spend our time than to help a soul secure their salvation. That is an investment with eternal dividends and a victory that will be enjoyed forever.
5. Be Saved from Our Sins. “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). It is of little value for us to save the souls of others if our own soul is lost eternally. The best thing that one who is lost can do with “today” is to become a Christian.
Our days are numbered; therefore they are valuable. Let us be determined to live them with a purpose, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”