Why do we ask the question, “What time is it?” The most common reasons are (i) to help us manage our responsibilities duly, and (ii) to avoid being bad stewards of time by missing opportunities and schedules. We, as Christians, need to ask this question so that we may be good stewards of our time and opportunities in a very distracting and perilous world.
As we observe the world around us, it becomes increasingly evident that the times we live in are characterised by escalating moral defilement, spiritual decay, and a pervasive disregard for truth. In every era, believers are tasked with distinguishing between good and evil, but in times of heightened moral decay, this responsibility becomes even more pressing. The Bible cautions us about such times, urging believers to be spiritually vigilant and discerning. How can we, as followers of Christ, identify the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of evil in our world, and stand resolute in faith? In this article, we will delve into biblical wisdom on how to respond to the current times of moral and spiritual decadence, while underlining the urgency of the situation.
Scripture says in Ephesians 5:16, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Here, with great earnestness and urgency, the apostle Paul succinctly expresses the urgency and intentionality required of Christians to live faithfully in a world marked by evil. This directive is a timeless call to recognise the fleeting nature of time and to use it wisely, especially in a world where moral decay and spiritual dangers abound.
Two terms that the apostle Paul uses here denote the concept of time: “time” and “days”. The first word—“time”—is the translation of the Greek word (kairos), which indicates a fixed or allocated period or season. Here, it refers to a person’s life and the opportunities that God has allotted to him. The second word—“days”—refers to the daily experience of earthly life.
Time is a unique resource because it is both unchanging and irreversible. Unlike money or other possessions, time cannot be saved for future use or replenished once spent. This makes Paul’s call to redeem time even more urgent. The phrase, “redeeming the time”, conveys the importance of seizing every opportunity and making the most of it. The Greek word for “redeem” (ἐξαγοράζω, exagorazō) implies “to buy up” or “to reclaim something valuable”. In this context, it implies that time, once lost, is gone forever; therefore, it must be managed wisely and devoted to godly purposes. Paul’s message isn’t just about being busy or productive; it’s about aligning our time with God’s will, ensuring that each moment serves His glory and contributes to our spiritual growth.
By saying that “the days are evil”, the apostle warns us of the temptations and trials that this corrupt and immoral world throws at us daily. The Christians living in the apostle’s time were surrounded by paganism and infiltrated by heresy. In Ephesians 4:14, he wrote, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”. Greediness, dishonesty and immorality were a way of life in Ephesus, which most of the believers had once been involved in, and to which they were tempted to revert (cf. Ephesians 4:19-32; 5:3-8, 15).
Though some are given opportunities far into old age, others would only have a short life, ending in their childhood or young adult life. But none of us knows how long or short his allotted time is. Moreover, we have little time to waste. Because the days are evil, our opportunities for freely doing God’s will are often limited. So, the advice to redeem the time means buying up the time or making the most of the time. When we have the opportunity to do something for His name’s sake and for His glory, we should do so with all the strength that we have. So, let none of us waste our time and opportunity, but use them entirely for Christ!
Scripture exhorts us in Romans 13:11-13 – “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
Paul urges the believers in Rome to arise from their spiritual state of slumber by casting off the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Instead, they should focus on spiritual matters, knowing the imminence of Christ’s return. In Romans 13:13, Paul delves deeper, outlining specific behaviours that Christians should avoid. He emphasises the significance of understanding Scripture’s admonition against engaging in works of darkness.
One key takeaway is the importance of rejecting “works of darkness”. This doesn’t solely refer to physical brawls, but rather a rejection of excessive indulgence and sinful revelry. In today’s world, particularly in affluent societies, Christians can easily get caught up in materialism and career ambitions. This pursuit of worldly success can distract us from serving God and contributing to His mission. We become trapped in a cycle of wanting more, leading to dissatisfaction and hindering our ability to support the church and its work.
Paul further warns against drunkenness, lewdness, and a generally disorderly lifestyle. These behaviours are incompatible with God’s righteous ways. As Christians, we are called to be holy, just and righteous, reflecting the character of our God. We must shed these “works of darkness”, and embrace a life of decency and order.
The word Paul uses for “honestly” in verse 13 goes beyond mere truthfulness. It encompasses living a decent and moral life, one that exemplifies righteousness. Unfortunately, some Christians prioritise worldly concerns and societal expectations over living a life truly aligned with God’s truth.
Turning away from sin and embracing godly virtues has immense power. We can walk according to God’s will by yielding to the Holy Spirit. As Ephesians 4:24 reminds us, we are called to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
The time for complacency is over. We cannot afford to remain asleep in the darkness of sin. Eternity approaches, and we must be prepared. Let us rise and shine as the light of God’s righteousness, and live with honesty and decency, genuinely reflecting our identity as children of God.