BUYING OUT TIME FOR READING AND STUDY

Finding Time for Bible Reading and Study

In view of the times we live in, all of us need to take heed of the apostle Paul's words: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is." (Ephesians 5:15-17) Of course, this counsel covers all features of our lives as dedicated Christians, including finding time for prayer, study, meetings and sharing as fully as possible in preaching the "good news of the kingdom." -Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Many of Jehovah's servants today seem to have difficulty fitting Bible reading and deep study into their lives. Obviously, we cannot add and extra hour to our day, so Paul's counsel must means something different. In Greek, the phrase "buying out the opportune time" implies buying at the expense of something else. In his Expository Dictionary, W.E. Vine gives it the meaning of "making the most of every opportunity, turning each to the best advantage since none can be recalled if missed." From what or where can we buy out the opportune time for reading and studying the Bible?

Next time: We Must Set Priorities

Watchtower,2000