By Rev Moses Agaba
Season’s message
October stands at the edge of the year. For many, it is a time of reflection, looking back with gratitude for God’s faithfulness, yet also facing the future with uncertainty. Our world is shaken by wars, political unrest, economic hardship, and personal struggles. In such a climate, it is easy to give in to despair. Yet the Scripture calls us to a different posture:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
The Apostle Paul’s counsel to the Ephesians still speaks to us today: in uncertain times, believers are called to redeem the time, walk in wisdom, and live as people of hope.
Redeeming the time
Paul urges us to redeem the time precisely because “the days are evil.” Evil is not a new reality. In Paul’s day, as in ours, it was evident in corrupt systems, violent conflicts, and moral confusion. Africa, and Uganda in particular, is no stranger to such challenges, economic struggles, political instability, and the erosion of family and community values.
To redeem the time means refusing to allow evil to set the agenda for our lives. Instead, we are called to seize every opportunity for good. This may be in our workplaces, families, schools, or churches. Each day brings us countless opportunities to serve, to encourage, to build, and to shine as light in the midst of darkness. Time wasted can never be recovered; therefore, Christians are called to live intentionally, stewarding every moment for God’s glory.
Walking in God’s wisdom
Living wisely goes beyond knowledge, it is aligning our decisions with God’s will. James reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5).
Our continent is blessed with youthful energy, yet much of it is misdirected. The Church must rise as a community of wisdom—teaching discernment, modelling integrity, and reminding the world that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Wisdom teaches leaders to govern with justice rather than selfish ambition. It encourages students to study diligently rather than cut corners. It calls families to nurture with love and faithfulness. It equips churches to disciple patiently and consistently, even in challenging seasons. True wisdom resists the lure of quick fixes and instead embraces the path of long-term faithfulness.
Embodying hope in Christ
In uncertain times, hope is not wishful thinking but a steady confidence rooted in God’s promises. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that evil and death will never have the final word. As Paul writes, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
The African Church, and particularly the Ugandan Church, is called to be a prophetic voice of hope. Where there is political turbulence, we must proclaim peace. Where corruption thrives, we must stand for justice. Where division persists, we must be instruments of reconciliation. Hope gives us strength to endure hardship, courage to inspire others, and perseverance to stay true to our mission.
Call for October and beyond
As we walk through October, the Spirit calls us to live differently: redeeming the time, walking wisely, and embodying hope. The days may be evil, but God is not absent. Even in the darkest hour, His purposes are unfolding.
One day, we will look back and realise that what seemed unbearable was shaping us for a greater purpose. As both a minister and a student, I have seen how God uses seasons of trial to refine His people.
The Church of Christ in Uganda and beyond must not retreat in fear but rise in faith, knowing that the Lord of history holds tomorrow in His hands.
Let us therefore press on with courage, redeeming the time until Christ returns.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
The writer is a PhD Candidate in Systematic Theology (AIU, Nairobi) & Chaplain, Uganda Christian University – Bishop Barham University College, Kabale.
