Ben Franklin once said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” This is in keeping with the admonition of the apostle Paul, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).

I can think of no better admonition as we begin this new year. Paul is using the language of the marketplace to focus on the need for taking advantage of the time God gives us. We are to redeem (purchase) our time. Employers will often remind slower employees, “Time is money”, but time is also what money can buy (food, clothing, medicine, etc.) and what money cannot buy (opportunities God gives us for serving Him and others). Most valued is the opportunity given us for eternal salvation. The word of God admonishes us, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). Again it is written, “Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2b). While time is still available, put your faith in Christ, putting Him on in baptism, and serving Him (Romans 5:1; Romans 6:3-6).