“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 (NIV)
As I sit and contemplate Paul’s encouragement to the Church at Ephesus, I begin to review my own life and wonder about the will of God. How does it function?
Sometimes, one wonders why he/she did what was done at a particular time, whether it was good or not. Now, in my spirit, I can hear the pious begin a tirade of scriptural injunctions that, frankly, may or may not apply. If “all things work together” for my good (Rom. 8;28), then it would follow that my failures, though not the will of God, were permitted (He didn’t stop my action) so that I would recognize my weakness and yield myself to the Holy Spirit who groans in intercession for me according to the will of God (Rom. 8:26). So, good or not, all things that happen to me function as a piece of the will of God for my benefit, because God is for me (Rom. 8:31-32) and not against me.
Further consideration: what about how I have conducted my life and career? I believe it to have been careful living. I thought I was living wisely, according the best of my knowledge and ability. What about this “making the most of every opportunity?” The exhortation is not an open door to generic opportunities, but rather to seize every opportunity to conduct oneself carefully and wisely.
Paul’s context is about Christian conduct. So, Paul exhorts us all to be personally responsible for how we conduct our daily lives, which would constitute wise living. And the believer should make “the most of every opportunity” to live wisely “because the days are evil.” So, recognizing the evil day, foolish living is not an option for Christ followers. Rather, careful conduct and wise living will empower us to “understand what the Lord’s will is” for each of us. Of course, we must desire to do the Lord’s will.
Dear Father, thank you for your will and purpose in our lives. Grant that we may know and understand and obey your will for us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you understand the Lord’s will,