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How to “Redeem” Time, March 10
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.
The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as
precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away.
We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no
time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of
sin. It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now
that we are to prepare for the searching judgment.
The human family have scarcely begun to live when they begin to die, and the
world’s incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to
eternal life is gained. The people who appreciate time as their working day will fit
themselves for a mansion and for a life that is immortal. It is well that they were
born.
We are admonished to redeem the time. But time squandered can never be
recovered. We cannot call back even one moment. The only way in which we can
redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains, by being coworkers
with God in His great plan of redemption. In those who do this, a transformation of
character takes place. They become sons and daughters of God, members of the
royal family, children of the heavenly King. They are fitted to be companions of
the angels.
Now is our time to labor for the salvation of others. There are some who think
that if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to do; the
precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes unimproved.
But it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God
active service. All are to labor in winning souls to Christ. Donations of money
cannot take the place of this....
The opportunity that is now ours to speak to some needy soul the word of life
may never offer again. God may say to that one, “This night thy soul shall be
required of thee,” and through our neglect he or she may not be ready (
Luke 12:20
).
In the great judgment day, how shall we render our account to God?—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 342, 343
.
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