Redeeming the Time: 5 Ways to Get Ahead

“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)

Redeem the time—three simple words packed with divine urgency. Time is one of our most precious, non-renewable resources. Every moment that passes is a moment we’ll never get back. In Ephesians 5, Paul exhorts believers to “redeem the time” and in Colossians 4:5, he also tells us to “redeem the time“. These are two different churches that he admonished to do this. So, redeeming the time should play a significant role in our lives.

Redeem in the English language means to “compensate for the faults or bad aspects of; gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment”. The Hebrew verb “gā’al” has a central meaning in “to regain possession of by payment” or “buy back something that was lost.” Wow! The only issue is that time is a commodity that you can’t get back, so redeeming here must refer to the present tense and not the past tense. It’s about guarding your time and not wasting opportunities because none of us knows the time allocated to each of us; only God knows.

What does redeeming the time mean as a follower of Christ?

Redeeming the time is about intentional living. It’s choosing purpose over passivity, devotion over distraction and stewardship over squandering. Here are five practical and spiritual ways you can redeem the time today:

1. Start Your Day with God

One of the most powerful ways to redeem the time is to give the first moments of your day to the Lord. Before emails, to-do lists, or social media, open your Bible and pray. Even 10–15 minutes of Scripture reading and quiet reflection can realign your heart, centre your mind, and equip you for the day ahead.

When you give God your first, you invite His direction into the rest. Jesus often rose early to pray (Mark 1:35), modelling a life of intimacy and dependence on the Father. Whether it’s morning devotionals, journaling, or simply sitting in silence, those sacred moments will never be wasted.

2. Live with an Eternal Perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in temporary concerns—money, schedules, status—but redeeming the time means anchoring your life in eternity. Colossians 3:2 reminds us, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

Ask yourself: Will this matter in five years? In eternity? When we focus on what has lasting value—souls, truth, relationships, God’s glory—we begin to live with greater clarity and conviction. Time becomes more than hours and minutes; it becomes an opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom.

3. Say No to Time Wasters

Not every “good” thing is a “God” thing. One of the greatest threats to a fruitful life is distraction. Social media, endless scrolling, binge-watching, and even overcommitting to obligations can rob us of time meant for rest, purpose, and people.

Jesus was never in a hurry, yet He was always about His Father’s business. To redeem time, we must evaluate how we’re spending it. Are we investing in what God has called us to, or simply reacting to whatever comes our way?

Try doing a time audit: track your daily habits and see where your time is going. Then prayerfully eliminate what’s unnecessary so you can focus on what’s essential.

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4. Serve Others Intentionally

One of the most Christlike ways to redeem time is to use it in service to others. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Serving others—whether through your church, community, or one-on-one encouragement—turns ordinary moments into eternal investments.

Every text of encouragement, every meal delivered, every child mentored, every act of compassion matters. When we serve others in Jesus’ name, we mirror His heart and make every moment count.

5. Make Room for Rest and Renewal

Redeeming the time isn’t about packing your schedule to the brim. God set a rhythm in creation—six days of work, one day of rest. Sabbath is not laziness; it’s obedience. Rest restores perspective. It recalibrates your soul. When you pause to rest, you’re acknowledging that your worth isn’t in your productivity but in your identity in Christ.

Jesus Himself told His disciples, “Come away with me… and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). If the Son of God needed solitude and stillness, so do we. Use your rest time to reconnect with God, enjoy His creation, and be refreshed for what lies ahead.

Final Thoughts

Time is a gift, but it is also a test. How we steward it reveals our priorities and shapes our future. The enemy wants to fill your life with busyness, aimlessness, and regret—but God invites you into a life of purpose, peace, and Kingdom impact.

So today, choose to redeem the time. Not by doing more, but by doing what matters most—walking in wisdom, seeking His presence, and living for eternity.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Further Reading:

What is the meaning of “redeeming the time” in Ephesians 5:16?