When former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse announced his terminal brain cancer diagnosis in early 2025, countless Americans found themselves asking profound questions about mortality, meaning, and faith. As believers reflect on his public witness during this difficult season, many are searching for wisdom about how to “redeem time what Sasse” has modeled through his Christian response to suffering. His calm, faith-filled approach to facing death stands in stark contrast to a culture that often runs from reality. Instead, Sasse reminds us of an ancient biblical command that feels more urgent than ever: we must redeem the time we’ve been given.
Ben Sasse’s Legacy: A Life Well-Lived
The phrase “redeem the time” comes directly from Ephesians 5:16, where the Apostle Paul writes, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (KJV). Other translations say “making the most of every opportunity” or “making the best use of the time.” But what does the Bible say about redeem time in its fuller context?
The Greek word for “redeem” here is *exagorazō*, which means to buy back or make the most of something valuable. Paul isn’t just talking about time management or productivity hacks. He’s calling believers to live with eternal perspective, recognizing that our days on earth are numbered and precious. Every moment is an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and point people toward Christ.
This redeem the time Bible passage appears in a section where Paul contrasts wise living with foolish living. Just before this verse, he warns believers not to be unwise but to “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Redeeming time isn’t about being busy—it’s about being purposeful. It means living with intention, guided by God’s priorities rather than the world’s distractions.
When we face terminal illness or watch someone else walk through it, this command becomes crystal clear. Suddenly the trivial falls away, and what truly matters comes into focus. Ben Sasse redeeming time in the face of death shows us what this looks like in real life.
What Sasse Teaches Us About Priorities and Politics
Ben Sasse served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska before becoming president of the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he’s been known as a thoughtful conservative, a historian, and someone willing to speak unpopular truths. But perhaps his greatest legacy won’t be political at all—it will be how he faced his final chapter.
When Sasse announced his diagnosis, he didn’t hide behind euphemisms or false optimism. He acknowledged the reality of his condition while expressing deep faith in God’s sovereignty. His public statements reflected a man who had already been living with eternal priorities, who understood that death isn’t the end for those who trust in Christ.
What stands out most is the peace that characterizes his response. This isn’t the desperate peace of denial or the resigned peace of stoicism. It’s the supernatural peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It’s the peace that Paul describes in Philippians 4:7 as “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” This peace guards our hearts and minds even when circumstances are heartbreaking.
Sasse’s witness during this season reminds us that the sanctity of life extends to every stage—including the final one. Our culture often treats terminal illness as merely tragic, a life cut short with no redemptive purpose. But Scripture teaches us that God is present in suffering, that He works through weakness, and that finishing well matters deeply. Sasse’s faithful response to his diagnosis demonstrates these truths powerfully.
How to Redeem Your Time for God’s Glory
One of the most striking aspects of Ben Sasse’s situation is how it reframes our understanding of what matters. Politics, which dominates so much of our national conversation and consumes so much emotional energy, suddenly appears in its proper proportion. Political victories and defeats, the latest controversy, the endless arguments—all of it fades when we’re confronted with mortality.
This doesn’t mean politics is unimportant. Sasse himself invested years in public service because he believed government matters. But his current circumstances remind us that politics is never ultimate. Our citizenship is ultimately in heaven, not Washington D.C. Our hope rests in Christ’s kingdom, not any political party or movement.
What does the Bible say about redeem time what Sasse is demonstrating? It says that we should number our days wisely. Psalm 90:12 prays, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” When we truly grasp that life is short—whether we have decades or months ahead—we make different choices. We invest in relationships over arguments. We pursue character over reputation. We focus on eternal impact over temporal success.
For those of us who get caught up in political debates and cultural battles, Sasse’s witness offers a gentle correction. Are we redeeming our time or wasting it on things that won’t matter in eternity? Are we known more for our political opinions or our Christlike love? These are uncomfortable but necessary questions.
A Prayer for Wisdom in Redeeming Time
So how do we actually redeem the time in our daily lives? The Ephesians 5:16 redeem the time command isn’t just for people facing terminal illness—it’s for all of us, right now.
First, start each day with eternity in mind. This doesn’t mean being morbid or anxious. It means remembering that you were created for God’s glory and that this life is preparation for the next. Ask God to help you see your day through His eyes and to guide your priorities.
Second, invest in relationships that matter. Redeeming time means spending less energy on social media arguments and more on loving actual people in your life. It means having hard conversations with family members, reconciling broken relationships, and making time for genuine community. The people around you are eternal souls who will outlast every political headline.
Third, serve sacrificially. Jesus said He came not to be served but to serve. When we give our time to others—especially those who can’t repay us—we’re reflecting Christ’s character and storing up treasure in heaven. Whether it’s volunteering at church, caring for elderly neighbors, or mentoring young believers, sacrificial service redeems time by using it for eternal purposes.
Finally, share the gospel. Nothing redeems time like pointing someone toward eternal life in Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean being pushy or preachy, but it does mean being ready to share why you have hope. As you live with Christian peace and purpose, people will notice—and you’ll have opportunities to explain the reason for your hope.
A Prayer for Wisdom in Redeeming Time
As we reflect on Ben Sasse’s faithful witness and our own calling to redeem the time, let’s take a moment to pray.
*Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of believers like Ben Sasse who face suffering with faith and peace. We lift him and his family up to You now, asking for Your comfort, strength, and presence in every moment. Give them grace for each day and peace that surpasses understanding.*
*Lord, teach us to number our days and redeem the time You’ve given us. Help us see clearly what matters most. Free us from the distractions and anxieties that steal our focus from Your purposes. Give us courage to live with eternal perspective, even when the world around us is caught up in temporary concerns.*
*Make us faithful in the time we have, whether long or short. Help us finish well, pointing others to Jesus through both our words and our lives. We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.*
The call to redeem the time isn’t ultimately about accomplishing more or being more productive. It’s about living wisely in light of eternity, trusting God with our days, and finishing our race with faithfulness. Ben Sasse’s witness during this difficult season reminds us that Christian hope transforms even terminal diagnosis from despair into purpose. May we learn from his example, pray for his family, and commit ourselves to redeeming whatever time God grants us for His glory alone.
Source: Gospel Coalition — Referenced for topic inspiration. Article content is original.