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.

Careless living is risky indeed. Whether we realize it or not, we are surrounded by the works of darkness, and we are not to be tripped up by such, much less get involved in them. However, this isn’t just about protecting ourselves, it is about being useful to God. In these evil days God still desires that people repent and turn to Him for salvation, and He uses His children to accomplish that. We need to “have our antennas raised” to recognize the encounters He prepares for us, so that we may speak His words and work His works for the benefit of those around us. This isn’t anything we can accomplish on our own, but we still need to be willing participants. The very person you despise – or who despises you – may be someone God wants to use for His glory! We are to pay close attention to our own level of obedience, never descending into a holier-than-thou attitude but lifting each other up in love. We need to remember what miracles God had to work to save and use us, and never think He can’t do the same for someone else. Our time on earth is limited, and we need to seek to use it as God intends.

This is something that is coming into sharper focus as I get older. “Killing time” doesn’t seem particularly attractive at this point! That’s not to say that I’m to be obsessive, but rather that I am to seek God for what He wants me to do with each moment, even if I’m waiting for someone else to do something. Prayer is always an option! That’s not to say that I’m to be obsessive. He told me personally to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, and He certainly hasn’t rescinded those instructions! I’m not to worry about “am I being productive,” but rather “am I doing what God wants me to do in this moment.” As always, my goal is to hear Him say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. Thank You for all the things You have prepared for me to do today. May I do each one in turn with peace and joy, so that those around me may be blessed and Your name glorified. Thank You. Praise God!