REDEEM THE TIME

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5

"Redeeming the time because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16

These verses have been on my heart.

We are exhorted to, and expected to have, in wisdom, a decent standard of behavior in all our conversations with others. The standard is Jesus. Whether it be with the unsaved world or the body of believers. Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. i see this also as speaking lovingly into a persons place of weakness from our place of strength. Being careful, in all our conversations to get no hurt by them, or take up any of their customs.

"Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners" 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Trying to do no hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against our Saviour, or give them an occasion of dislike, even though we know these are the times we live in. We must do our best to be as good to them as possible, and by all the holiest means and with the Holy Spirit, bring the message of the cross. Redeeming the time. Using every opportunity of well doing without growing weary, making the best use of our time in service. Diligence in redeeming the time is all about bringing the message of the cross to the lost and encouraging our brethren.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise" Ephesians 5:15.

The days are dangerous and evil, times of trouble and suffering. And towards all, those who are within the body as well as those who are without,

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" Colossians 4:6.

Let all your discourse be as becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, suitable to your situation, discreet, seasonable. Though it be not always of grace (God speaking through you), it must be always with grace (the reflection of God's divine influence on our heart) and, even in our everyday conversation, there must be an air of holiness and righteousness upon it and it must be as God says, seasoned with salt. Grace is the salt which seasons our conversations, makes them satisfy the hunger of the lost, and keeps our conversations from corrupting. That you may know how to answer every man. One answer is proper for one person, and another for another person.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit." Proverbs 26:4-5.

We are to fit our words to the man, and address them to his conscience and the need for the blood of Jesus, so as may best end the debate. We need a great deal of God's wisdom and grace to give proper answers to everyone, particularly in answering the questions and objections of hearts turned cold against Jesus, giving the reasons of our faith, and showing the falsehoods of their excuses and arguments to the pulling down of strongholds.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" 1 Peter 3:15.

Amen, read His Word, pray, fast and be doers of the word...amen.