The Christian Walk
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
At a recent Family Forum on the topic of "Internet Safety" sponsored by our Church School, a police officer urged our children to be cautious in their use of the internet. This was especially true, she stated, when it came to what they post on the internet, for what is posted on the internet is permanent, even if you delete it. While the internet is a marvelous tool, she urged everyone to monitor their time on the internet, for it can be a tremendous timewaster. She pointed out that the average amount of time spent by junior high school students on the internet in a single year is the same amount of time needed to earn three master’s degrees! Wisdom is needed as we walk through life!
Paul urges us to “walk circumspectly,” that is “not as fools but as wise.” Throughout all of history, God’s people have found it difficult to use or “redeem” time wisely. We live in a world that is often very distracting! Given the evil nature of our world, those distractions can indeed be dangerous. The officer at the Family Forum explained there are many good people and many bad people using the internet, so you must be careful! The Bible states emphatically: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Let us, therefore, strive to walk in wisdom!
The reason, ultimately, to do so is because God has gifted us our lives, which are limited to the days planned for us. We do not know when the Lord will call us home. As His stewards, we want to be busy using our time wisely to accomplish all He has planned for us. If, by God’s grace, that is what we do, then with joy we will hear our Savior say: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!” (Matthew 25:21)
Dearest Jesus, please enable us to redeem our time by walking in wisdom each day. Amen.