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.

This passage is extremely familiar, but then I could say that about all of Ephesians! The admonition in these two verses is practical in the extreme. It doesn’t take long to realize that even very intelligent people can act very foolishly at times, so Paul is saying to watch out. The minute we leave God out of our thinking, we are starting to act foolishly. And we tend to do that a lot! Aside from falling into blatant sin, if we aren’t focused on God we are all too likely to miss opportunities to be used by Him. It amazes me sometimes how few people expect to be used by God, and how amazed they are when they realize it has happened. I don’t know that there’s anything that feels better for a true Christian than realizing God is using them to bless others for His glory. Missing opportunities for that is a real waste! Paul said that the days in which he lived were evil, so how much more could that be said of today? It seems like the forces of evil are in a full court press (to use a basketball metaphor) and we must not drop the ball! We do need to remember that all the forces of heaven are on our side, however, and so not be fearful, but look forward to getting in good shots. We have neither the strength nor the wisdom called for in ourselves, but God has a limitless supply, (James 1:5) so we need to keep our eyes on Him and follow His directions. When we do that, victory is guaranteed. (Romans 8:37)

As I mentioned in my sermon on Sunday, I’ve missed more opportunities than I could count, and it never feels good when I realize I’ve done so. And that doesn’t even count those that I never recognize at all! I must never think this Scripture applies to anyone more than it does to me. From today I’ll be going to a conference for a few days. I don’t know what opportunities God will have for me, but I can be sure there will be a lot of them, not just at the conference but in transit as well. There will be opportunities to cheer people up with a kind word and a smile, opportunities to assist people in one way or another, opportunities to speak God’s grace and truth to people, and generally to be “Jesus with skin on,” which is what God intends. (Romans 8:29) I don’t want to miss any opportunity to bring God’s good into these evil days.

Father, thank You for all the opportunities You provide, including being able to go to this conference on “Healthy Discipleship.” May I gain what You want to pour into me, not simply for my benefit but so that I will be “charged up” to let it flow through me to others. May I be a wise son, a wise servant, so that Your will is done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!