The apostle Paul warned us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16), which prompts an interesting question: How much time do you and I have left to redeem?

The subject of death is never a pleasant one, but sooner or later we must accept the fact that “it is appointed for men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27)—and that this includes ourselves.

We may have anywhere from 60 years to 60 seconds left to live. Regardless, our focus should not be on how much time we have left, but how we’re spending it. Are we making good use of it? Are we walking circumspectly? Are we redeeming it?

The best way to answer yes to all three questions is found in the next part of Paul’s warning: “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).

There is no better starting point.