Redeeming the Time

Redeeming the Time

Christ promised to build His Church. He established it, and He will not see it destroyed. After He ascended to the right hand of the Father and the Spirit was sent, the Church began to spread. While the Church was growing and spreading across the known world, we must remember that the Church was in the minority for quite some time.

Christians were surrounded by pagans, Jews who rejected the Messiah, and all manner of cults. So it would seem that in our day we are once again seeing, at least in the West, Christians in the minority. So then, what can we learn from our brothers and sisters from days gone by.

First, regardless of status, we are to be redeeming the times. The Apostles Paul tells us, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). Whether or not Christ’s Church has the ability to influence and sway the culture does not affect how we are to conduct ourselves. We are to be redeeming/ making the best use of the time that we are given for the glory or God. This means that we cannot sit around and throw a pity party. We cannot throw our hands up and exclaim that this world is beyond me. Instead, we are to be busy taking the gospel to our neighbor.

Secondly, we should remember that Christ promises to build His Church (Matt. 16:18). He proclaimed the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church. That means that we can have the confidence that even if things seem to be going downhill among us, then certainly Christ’s Church is thriving elsewhere. And it is! Christ’s Church is thriving in South America, East Africa, and on into the Middle-East. In fact, I would not be surprised if some of the brightest minds in the Church, in our day, will come from these areas. Therefore, let us rejoice in Christ as He continues to build His Church.

Finally, we should remember that Christ is enthroned as King of kings and Lord of lords. When He was to ascend to the Father, He told His disciples that all authority had been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). There is nothing in this world beyond the control of Christ. He sits enthroned upon the praises of His people as He rules. So then, just as this would have encouraged the Apostles, let it encourage us. Christ is King and we are His people. We can be about His work even if the days of our lives are dark and evil. So then, take courage dear Christian. Let us be about Christ’s business today, and every day.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton