If you watch the Olympics, you are undoubtedly keenly aware of the significance of time in certain events like downhill skiing and speed skating. A medal is often determined by a mere 1/100th of a second. It gives new meaning the phrase every second counts.

That is true in the race of life as well. Paul’s instructions to ‘redeem the time’ in Ephesians 5, could also be translated “purchase” or “buy” the time you have because it is valuable and must be spent wisely. Purchasing time implies a higher purpose for it, not simply using it as we please. We certainly have that freedom, but to waste it on something for which it was not intended is a fool’s errand.

Those who compete in the Games know that if they spend their time doing only what they want to do—what is easy and comfortable—they would become an Olympic champion. Rather they submit to their coach who dictates how their time should be used for the best results. Followers of Christ submit to the Lord Jesus because He knows best how to achieve the Father’s purpose. When we use it as He directs, that is the way of wisdom and the crown of life.

So what steps can we take to redeem or purchase the time we have? Here are seven suggestions to help you spend time well:

1. Start your day with prayer. Ask God to clarify how He wants you to use your time today and to help you listen well to promptings of the Spirit.
2. Make a list of things you know God would have you complete that day. Refer to it throughout the day.
3. Respond immediately to any promptings of the Spirit throughout your day. Don’t hesitate or rationalize away what seems a reasonable urging of God. Keep alert to opportunities to be rich in good deeds for those in need you encounter.
4. Pray for your children, grandchildren, spouse and others God lays on your heart.
5. Tell your spouse you love him/her.
6. Send a word of encouragement or Scripture verse to your children and grandchildren by text, email or phone today.
7. End your day in prayer. Ask God to reveal wasted time in your day and make a commitment to make better use of tomorrow’s time.

The Psalmist declares that our times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15). While we cannot dictate the circumstances surrounding the times in which we live, we must decide how we will use the time entrusted to us for the Father’s purposes. Jesus made it clear that He was on this earth to do the will of the Father. Should we do any less?

The challenge we face is not only to do the will of the Father ourselves, but to disciple our children and grandchildren to do the same. Our example will reveal to them how we view the time we have been given—a great gift from God for His purposes (which bring us the greatest satisfaction), or whether we place little value on it beyond our own selfish purposes and meaningless activities.

I am convicted by the amount of time I waste in my own life on things that don’t matter. Daily I must determine to live wisely and courageously with my time so that the legacy I leave my children and grandchildren will outlive me and move them to make the most of the time God has given them.

The greatest prize we can receive is to know our children (and grandchildren) are walking in the truth and to one day hear the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That is a Gold Medal worth running for!

GRANDPAUSE: Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer