While our time is limited, the options of how we can spend our time are virtually unlimited. We can spend our time traveling, playing sports, watching movies or television shows, reading, shopping, and virtually anything else we would like to do. While we have a limitless list of ways to spend our time, there are, of course, some options for spending our time that are significantly better than others. Because our time is precious and fleeting, we must be purposeful with how we spend our time, making the most of every moment.
The apostle Paul encourages us to make the most of every moment we are given in Ephesians 5. In this passage of Scripture, he explains that this world is full of darkness, and we, Christ's followers, are called to live in His light instead of the darkness. In light of this truth, Paul 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.” (verses 15=16). In a world where we can do virtually anything with our time, Paul calls us to be careful and wise with how we spend each moment. Even more, He calls us to “make the most of every opportunity.” This command means that we must take every second we have been given and leverage it for the kingdom of God.
One of the ways we can leverage our time for God and His kingdom is by choosing to spend significant time with the children whom God has placed in our lives. As we spend time with our children, we are maximizing our reach and our impact. Our children are only children for so long, so we must prioritize time with them while they are young. Our time with them now can have a significant impact further down the road as we teach the children in our lives about God.
Our lives are fading away every day. The only moments guaranteed are the ones we have now. May we commit to offering the children in our lives our valuable time and pointing them straight to Christ along the way.
Take a few moments to consider how you are spending your time. What things are valuable, enhancing your relationship with God, your life, and your time with others, especially with the children in your life? What things are not valuable? Commit to letting go of anything keeping you from making the very most of the time God has given you on earth.
1Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
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.
