Advertisers know the value of time. A 30-second Super Bowl ad in 2007 cost $2.5 million.

Have you ever realized how impacting five minutes are? Even the Bible says they matter. In Colossians 4:5, Paul speaks of how we are to live before non-Christians. He wrote, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

Each day we are to walk in wisdom – that means – good common sense towards those who don’t know the Lord. Then he added, “redeeming the time.” That phrase “redeeming the time” literally means, “buying up the opportunity.” Each day we are to look at our lives as moments of opportunity to live around non-Christians in such a way that drives them to the cross. Every five minutes matter.

The quote “buying up the opportunity” is done through life and lips. It’s important we live the life we talk about. A man who for years was antagonistic towards Christ came to know Him. He attributed his conversion to a timid neighbor. The neighbor said, “I didn’t even talk to you about Christ the way I should have.” The new convert answered, “No you didn’t, but you lived me to death. I could refute their arguments and upset their logic, but I couldn’t refute the way you lived.” But it is also important we buy up the opportunity – through our lips. That is we must present the gospel. Without that spoken word, lost people do not know how to come to Christ.

Now think about the holiday season and how many five minute opportunities there are. The five minutes might become fifty-five minutes. But the point is, the holidays often provide many of those five minute opportunities.

Why not take a moment right now, get out pen and paper, and list the opportunities you are about to have, such as:

- Time spent in department stores looking for gifts to give means time to impact department store employees.
- A grocery clerk who helped you pick out a turkey gives you five minutes to make a cold tract warm by saying, “Could I share with you something that explains what I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving”?
- Standing in line at the post office to mail a package may give you five minutes with the person in front of you – or maybe even longer!

What’s required for each of these to have value? Good common sense to handle the moments. Be equipped with a clear tract for encounters when time is limited. Know how to present the gospel when opportunities for longer conversations arise.

Moments of opportunity – Use them, don’t lose them. Learn the value of five minutes – or longer!

© 2007 EvanTell, Inc.
Taken from EvanTell's ToolBox - Holidays 2007.

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