Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

The question arises when reading this, (or should, if we are thinking about what we are reading) to what opportunities is Paul referring? The answer that comes to me is, opportunities to do God’s will, to be His agent. Paul has just been talking about being awake and alert, which fits perfectly with this idea. If a sentry isn’t alert, he won’t be effective in guarding his charge. If a detective isn’t alert, he won’t spot the clues to solve the case. If we aren’t alert, we won’t recognize the traps of the enemy to avoid them, and we won’t recognize the appointments God makes for us to share His grace and love with others. Failure to do so is foolish, so Paul says, don’t be foolish! The Bible says repeatedly that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” (Proverbs 9:10 and several more) and wisdom is the opposite of foolishness. We are surrounded by people who don’t fear God, and so act very foolishly. That has been true throughout the history of mankind, which is why Paul says, “The days are evil.” The challenge to us is not to act like everyone around us, but maintain a divine perspective, divine priorities. Only then will we recognize the opportunities God provides for us to make a difference in the world, to bring Him glory and establish His kingdom by doing His will.

I certainly know about being distracted! When I was in Basic Training in the Army I found myself on the receiving end of military discipline, because I was caught writing a letter to my wife when I was on guard duty with a loaded weapon! In the years since then I have missed opportunities or gotten into trouble countless times because of foolish inattention to what was important. Left to myself, I can live very foolishly! Operating by God’s priorities is a conscious choice, though it does get easier with practice. I am not to “go with the flow” of society, but rather with the flow of the Holy Spirit. I have experienced what I would call “divine appointments” many, many times, but I fear I’ve probably overlooked more than I have recognized. I need to expect such opportunities and look forward to them, so that I will indeed make full use of them, for the blessing of others and for God’s glory.

Father, thank You for the amazing privilege of acting as Your agent, whether anyone recognizes that is happening or not. Help me be sufficiently focused on You so that I’m not worried about how others see me, but rather about whether I’m doing what You want me to do. May I recognize the opportunities You provide, today and each day, so that indeed Your Name will be hallowed and Your kingdom come as Your will is done, as You told us to pray. Thank You. Praise God!