My Paisley Chair

Naturally wired to be agenda driven, project motivated and spreadsheet oriented, I am well aware of how to manage time, organize timelines and hit deadlines. The ethics of capturing time, punctuality, procedural processes and productivity charge my battery. I’m a “Give me a TO DO list!” kind of a gal.

Yet, when I read Col 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” I am at a loss for how to redeem or “buy” time. This directive leaves me feeling defeated before I start. Thankfully, Col 4:5 is not asking me to make wise use of, capture, and squeeze every drop of potential out of every moment of every day. That thought is overwhelming!

Count The Cost

I don’t use the word redeem often… truthfully never-ever! The scriptural definition of redeem is to pay the price, ransom, release from debt, or buy back something. To redeem something, you must first recognize the value, count the cost, and check your resources to see if you have enough for the purchase. I’m familiar with contracts with provisions for “buying time” that include clauses to assess penalties for missed deadlines. However, that is NOT the reference or intent in this context.

This directive begins with being wise and then specifically speaks about to how to engage with those who are “outside”. Wisdom will lead me to the evaluation of resources needed to redeem time. To be precise, what is mentioned here is not ALL time, but rather time with the outsider that is to be redeemed.

I think this is where I consistently shut-down – again my point of reference for time is agendas, spreadsheets etc. I am a linear thinker, chronological, time and space. There is a specific word for the type of time I’m familiar with. The word is Chronos, the root word for chronological. This has to do with chunks of time, seasons, the passing of time and ordering of events.

The “chronos” variety of time is NOT what Paul was referring to in his instruction about redemption of time. The word Paul used was Kairos! Even though we tend to use these definitions interchangeably, it is not so in the original text, or biblical culture. No wonder it is confusing! Understanding the difference makes this directive completely within reach.

TIME: Kairos vs. Chronos

Possibly an oversimplification, but I think the difference can be summed up in quality vs quantity. For those whose love language is “Quality Time”, we understand this difference is a BIG DEAL. Intentional time with undivided attention for a specific, even short, amount of time at a particular event, aka quality (kairos) time – Yes Please!

Quantity Time – together around the clock, yet millions of miles away or glued to a device, aka “chronos” time – Thanks, but No!

The time Paul speaks about is a specific event, opportunity, moment in time. The scriptural reference is to a moment of divine orchestration, when heaven opens, and an event has the touch of the supernatural upon it. In the context of Col 4:2-6, Paul asked the Colossians to pray for God to open doors of ministry for him to walk through, even while in prison. In Paul’s current circumstances opportunities to minister would definitely be seen as supernatural moments of divine appointment. Partnering with God to make a difference in someone’s life.

Keep It Simple Sweetheart

Redeeming time is simple: Watch where God is opening the doors and speak to people with grace. This approach works both directions – words of grace at the right time opens doors.

It is exciting to expect answers to the “open the door” prayers and look for divine appointments! Those opportunities are ready to be redeemed. Opportunities with the kiss of heaven upon them are easy to spot if we are looking. Elijah prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, and the servant saw a whole new world of potential. (2 Kings 6:17) Our eyes can be opened to the opportunities that are around us – we just need to ask.

SPEECH: Seasoned vs. Saturated

Then Paul encourages the church to use this approach to share the gospel, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” This instruction about our speech is vital. Our conversations are to be “seasoned” with salt – NOT “saturated”.

The difference of being seasoned verses saturated is beyond obvious. If the saltshaker top falls off during meal prep (saturated), the dish is ruined and can’t be salvaged or served. When conversation is seasoned with grace (salt), it will make a person thirsty for more. At those moments of thirst, open doors of divine providence, we will know what the right thing is to say!

Observation: Overly graced (salt-saturated) words can change the truth of scripture and leave a person repulsed rather than restored. A balance of truth and grace work best.

Grace words are life giving! Encouraging conversations start a healing process, are restorative in nature, and a breath of life to weary souls. Peter recognized the power of Jesus’ words when he said “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” (John 6:68)

As I re-think this scripture and use the proper definition, I am encouraged – I CAN redeem time! God orchestrated doors of opportunity will open, even while I am not in perfect circumstances. I can ask God for wisdom, and He will abundantly supply it according to His word. My grace seasoned words, delivered at the right time can bring life, encouragement, healing and restoration to someone.

Agenda For Redemption of Time

• Pray for open doors
• Commit to walk through the doors that are opened
• Anticipate the answer to prayer and look for opportunities of divine providence
• Apply wisdom to my walk of life
• Engage with those outside
• Practice speaking grace filled words that bring life

Prayer:

Lord let my eyes be open to the opportunities You open for me. Help me recognize the potential of others, redeem time, and engage in conversations that include the words of life. Give me the words seasoned with grace that create a thirst for Your living water. Amen.

What does the Bible say? (scriptures referenced)

Col 4:2-5 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Until next time…