Ephesians Part 30
As disciples of Christ, we are called to see time differently than the world does. It is not ours to waste; it is ours to invest.
Paul writes,
“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).
In these few verses, Paul captures a deep and urgent call for believers to live purposefully and attentively in every moment of life. The word circumspectly means to walk carefully, to live with awareness and precision. God calls His people to walk in wisdom, with a steady and watchful heart, recognizing how brief and precious time truly is.
We are reminded that time is short. As disciples of Christ, we are called to see time differently than the world does. It is not ours to waste; it is ours to invest. Time is a sacred resource given for preparation—to develop the character of the God Family, to grow in righteousness, to practice love, and to live with eternal perspective.
Scripture teaches us to “number our days,” that we might apply our hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12). The Bible also gives us a framework for accountability and responsibility in the use of time. Adulthood, in the biblical sense, begins at age 20. In Exodus 30:14, every man aged 20 and above was to give an offering to the Lord. In Numbers 1:3, those twenty and older were eligible for military service, and in Numbers 32:11, God declared that all twenty and older who had rebelled would not enter the Promised Land. This age marked the point at which one became accountable before God—a season of life where decisions carried eternal weight.
Psalm 90:10 notes that “the days of our lives are seventy years,” and modern statistics still reflect that average worldwide. Life expectancy has increased in many places, yet regardless of expectancy the truth remains that human life is brief and fragile. If we subtract the years of childhood and immaturity, the span of true adulthood—our season of accountability and service—is even shorter. How then will we use it? Will we waste our years, or will we redeem them?
To redeem the time means to buy it back, to make the most of every opportunity. It means recognizing the spiritual value of each moment and using it for God’s purposes. In Ephesians 1, Paul already reminded believers of the blessings that belong to them in Christ: spiritual blessings, redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins, and the revelation of the mystery of His will. We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, a promise of our redemption and inheritance. These truths should awaken us to live intentionally, with renewed purpose and gratitude.
Romans 13:11 echoes this urgency:
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
Paul calls us to live properly, as in the day—not in revelry or lust, not in strife or envy—but clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the flesh. This is what it means to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary explains that Paul’s phrase “redeeming the time” refers to seizing the moment, as a wise merchant who makes the most of every opportunity. The Greek word kairos conveys not just chronological time, but appointed time—moments filled with divine opportunity that can either be grasped or lost. Because “the days are evil,” Paul warns. These opportunities are easily swallowed by distraction, temptation or apathy. Evil days require vigilant hearts.
Paul’s call to be “filled with the Spirit” in verse 17 flows naturally from this. A wise and circumspect life is one that is guided by the Holy Spirit, empowered to see and seize the moments God provides. The lesson of Pentecost reminds us that a Spirit-filled life is not one of confusion or passivity, but of clarity, courage and purpose.
Romans 14:5–12 reminds us that each of us will stand before God and give an account for what we have done with the time and knowledge given to us. God’s invitation is clear: we are called to become members of His family, to learn what it means to bear His name, to follow His instructions carefully, and to develop His attributes in our character. To redeem the time is to dedicate each day, each hour and each opportunity to the service of God and the growth of His kingdom.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
