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**WHEN DISTRACTIONS STEAL OUR TIME** “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — **Ephesians 5:15–16 (KJV)** Not every distraction is wicked. Work, recreation, politics, possessions, entertainment, and conversation may each have a proper place. The danger begins when they consume the place that belongs to God.A Christian may become so occupied with the news that he neglects the Good News; so busy discussing politics that he stops talking about Christ; so entertained by the world that he loses interest in the Word; or so concerned with possessions that he neglects eternal treasure. Something does not have to be sinful to become spiritually harmful—it only has to consume the time, attention, and affection that should be given to God.Paul did not tell us merely to “spend” time, but to redeem it. Time cannot be stored, recovered, or relived. Every wasted hour is gone forever. The days are evil, eternity is near, souls are perishing, and our opportunity to serve Christ is growing shorter. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — **Colossians 3:2 (KJV)** Examine your life honestly: What occupies your thoughts? What receives your best energy? Where does your time go? If worldly distractions continually crowd out prayer, Scripture, church, family, witnessing, and service, then those distractions have become more than harmless interests—they have become thieves.Do not allow temporary things to consume a life that belongs to Christ. **Redeem the time before time runs out.**