Monday, December 29, 2014

December 30, 2014

"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

Paul is writing specifically to the believers in the Church at Ephesus, but more generally to all Christians everyone. He is writing to give practical advice and instruction on how to live a life that pleases God. 

These are good verses to hang your hat on for 2015 because the advice he offers in these two verses is for God's people to live wisely.

You may ask, "How does Paul define wisdom?"

He identifies three aspects of wisdom:
  • Your walk
  • Your works
  • His will
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise" 

The phrase "be very careful" means "look around" or "be alert and aware" . Nowadays, we might say "keep your head on a swivel!"

The word "live" could be translated "walk".


So, a wise person is one who walks carefully fully aware of the temptations that threaten the man of God.

How is your walk?



The second question is, do you make your time work for you or against you? - "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil"

Time is the one thing everyone has the same amount of. Everyone has 24 hours in a day and seven days each week. Wise people make that time work for them by planning and prioritizing and by living on purpose. 

Everyday is an opportunity! Every hour of each day brings opportunity!

Time is what life consists of so it should be used wisely.


Paul adds to the sense of urgency with the reminder that the "days are evil". 


What he is saying is this, "There is a strong current of evil flowing through your culture and unless you are careful and wise your life will get swept away by that current."

Your clock is ticking today. Will you make time work in your favor or will you waste it in non-productive pursuits? Will you live wisely and make wise decisions or will you be swept way by the torrent of evil that surrounds you?

Finally, wisdom is understanding God's will and doing it!


Doing God's will demands giving up on your will and living up to His. That is the essence of wisdom!


Foolishness is believing you can please God by doing your own will and ignoring His.


These are evil days!


What are you doing to keep from getting carried away by the torrent of evil sweeping through our culture?