Making the Most of the Time We’ve Been Given

Erin Long
Oct 21
3 min read

This blog post is inspired by Joey Cook's sermon on 10/19/2025.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Have you ever watched sand slip through an hourglass? Each grain falls quietly, steadily - a simple reminder that time never stops. Once it’s gone, we can’t get it back.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Time is one of the few things we can’t make more of, but as Pastor Joey reminded us this Sunday, we can make more of the time we have.

There’s a big difference between saving time and redeeming time.

Saving time is about efficiency — getting more done.
Redeeming time is about eternity — doing what lasts forever.

The Greek word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:16 “exagorazō” means “to buy back” or “to rescue from loss.” In other words, God invites us to reclaim our moments for something that truly matters.

Time is a Gift from God

James 4:14 says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Our days are short, but they are significant. Every moment is a gift from a generous God who entrusts us with the chance to love, serve, and grow in Him.

We can’t make more time, but we can surrender the time we have, trusting that God will do something eternal with it.

Time is an Assignment from God

Galatians 6:10 says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

The word “opportunity” here comes from the Greek word kairos — a divinely appointed moment. Our calendars aren’t just filled with meetings, errands, and appointments; they’re filled with Kingdom moments waiting to happen.

When we give God our calendar, He gives us His Kingdom.

Time Can Be Redeemed by God

“Jesus can do more with your surrender than you can do with your schedule.”

Redeeming our time isn’t about cramming more into our days — it’s about re-centering our lives around what matters most. Pastor [Name] gave us three practical ways to start:

1. Prioritize God’s Presence Daily

Start your morning with God before your phone.
Read one chapter. Pray one prayer. Take one quiet pause.
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you.” Psalm 63:1

2. Practice Godly Purpose Weekly

Each week, invest in something eternal: share a meal, pray with someone, encourage a coworker, or serve your neighbor.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good.” Galatians 6:9

3. Protect God’s People Constantly

Make time for community- not just on Sundays, but throughout the week.
“Encourage one another… as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25

Flip the Timer and Fix Your Eyes on Eternity

As the sand timer flips one last time, we’re reminded that our lives are brief, but eternity is long.

Let’s live each day with eternity stamped on our eyelids: fully present, faithfully serving, and joyfully expectant of the words we long to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:23

Discussion Questions

What does “redeeming the time” look like in your daily life right now?
Which of the three challenges — prioritizing God’s presence, practicing purpose, or protecting God’s people — do you most want to focus on this week?
How might surrendering your calendar to God change your perspective on busyness and priorities?
Think of one “kairos” moment (a divinely appointed opportunity) you’ve experienced recently. What did you learn from it?
What’s one small way you can live with eternity in mind this week?