You have heard the saying, “Time is a thief.” It is a reminder that time is short. It passes faster than we could possibly imagine. The older I get, the faster it appears time passes, and the more I want to take hold of it and make the most of it. Can you relate? Because time is, indeed, a thief, Scripture teaches that we must make the very most of every second that we have.
Paul tells us to make the most of our time in Ephesians 5. In this chapter, he calls followers of Christ to live according to their new lives in Christ and to be lights in this dark world. Then, he writes, “Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (verses 15-17). It is clear that what we do with our time and how we spend it matters greatly. Time is short, and there is so much darkness in the world. As a result, we must use our time wisely and make the most of each second that God gives us. What does it look like to use our time wisely? It means not wasting time on things that do not matter and making time for the things that matter most. What matters most is growing in our relationships with God and making Him known to the people around us. Because time is short and the world is filled with darkness, we need to prioritize sharing the hope of Christ and encouraging each other to live for Christ rather than the things of this world.
Those who understand the brevity of time and the darkness in the world live with a distinct kind of intentionality. They do not waste time. They obey Scripture quickly and confidently. They are not concerned with the things of this world. They concern themselves with eternal things. They concern themselves with Christ and His Kingdom. May we, too, gain an eternal perspective and make the most of every moment we have on this earth.
Answer this question today: How can I make the most of every opportunity that I have today? As you answer this question, write down three ways that you can make the most of every moment that God gives you today. Then, plan to do those three things today. Before you end your time in Bible study today, ask God to help you as you seek to make the most of your time today.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
