Time is something you can never get back. As of writing this, no time machine has been invented. So we have to be wise with how we use our time. We shouldn’t fritter it away or, even worse, use it for the wrong purposes. Paul tells us to redeem the time by sharing the Gospel with those who don’t know Christ.
Colossians 4:2, 5
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;” “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
Make the Most of Your Time
The Colossian church was unique because it wasn’t started by Paul but by two guys who were discipled by him. They went back to their hometown after spending time with Paul in Ephesus. God began to move in the church, which soon impacted the city and surrounding communities. As far as we know, Paul never visited the church but wrote a letter encouraging them to make the most of their time.
Remember These Things
Remember these things. As Paul closes many of his letters to the churches he wrote to, he would often squeeze in instructions. They were short directives that the believers should practice daily. To the church in Colossae, he is telling them to make the best use of their time, redeem it. They could waste away their time with so many things that weren’t beneficial, but if you practiced these, you would get it back. Here he tells them to get serious about their prayer life. Be vigilant. That means to be fierce and focused on it, not letting anything get in the way of doing it. While you are praying, make sure that you include a time of thanksgiving in it.
Walk in Wisdom
Paul also encourages them to walk in wisdom towards those who don’t follow Christ. Be wise with who you fellowship. It’s easy to allow bad company to corrupt good character. (1 Cor 15:33) If you are around those, who don’t believe spend it wisely by loving them like Christ does and sharing the Gospel with them.