Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
‘Every day is an opportunity,’ so the saying goes. With that in mind…
The Bible calls us to make the best use of our time by making the most of every opportunity. It is in this context that God’s word exhorts us to understand what the Lord’s will is.
The alternative is foolishness. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Understand What the Lord’s Will is
I simply cannot accept that the best use of my time is a daily commute to and from the office, working ten hours a day, five or six days a week, over and over for the forty to fifty most productive years of my life — quietly treading water as the current carries me toward retirement.
Honestly, that feels more like foolishness than understanding what the Lord’s will is. I acknowledge not every Christian will feel that way. No judgment. That is between you and God.
However, I would challenge every believer to consider the passage in this context.
Ephesians 5:15 exhorts me to be very careful, then, how [I] live. This is something I should take very seriously.
Be very careful, then how you live…
Ephesians 5:15
As a believer, it is my duty to first understand what the Lord’s will is for my life. And, once I understand that, to spend all my energy and — time — striving to live out that purpose.
To that end, my goal is to stop spending all of my time trying to earn money and, instead, spend my money to reclaim my time. That will enable me to fulfill God’s will and purposes in my life.
How does this passage challenge you? Have you been careful about how you live? In other words, have you been deliberate in considering how you spend your time?
And do you believe that you are living not as unwise, but as wise? Do you understand what the Lord’s will is?
Are you making the most of every opportunity? Or have you spent your time foolishly?
I pray that you understand what God’s will is and that, by His grace, you have the wisdom and courage to live out that purpose in your life.