by Dave Brown
Ye often hear it said ...
I just don't have time to study ...
But the Apostle Paul stated (Eph. 5:15-17):
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].
We have time to do those things that we really want to do. For example, many of us take an entire day and dedicate it to getting to, attending, and then coming back from a football game. If we hunt, fish, golf, boat, etc., we make time for these things.
The reason is that we put them first. The blessed man described in Psalm 1 delights "in the law of the Lord and on his law doth he meditate day and night." What do you suppose he puts first?
Very few people engage in daily bible study. But the idea of " redeeming the time" is to take advantage of the opportunity as it arises. If we are going to be wise, and understanding of what the will of the Lord is, we need to schedule time for bible study, and put it first. Keep up with your bible classes, volunteer to teach, study with anyone who will listen -- these are ways that we can redeem the time and increase our understanding of the will of the Lord. It will also dramatically increase our faith (Rom. 10:17).