Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but wise. – Ephesians 5:15
When 2024 began, you had 8,784 hours ahead of you until the year would be over. By the end of today, January 31, you will have already spent 744 of those hours. What have you done with your time? Are you using it effectively for the kingdom of God? Today’s verse is half a sentence, the Apostle Paul has been telling the church in Ephesus to walk in love, laying out how to do that. Then he writes, “Look carefully at how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Another 8,040 hours in the year starting tomorrow may seem like a lot, but the reality is that time is in short supply. Your time is limited. Yet it is one of the most precious gifts God has given you.
In chapter 13 of Paul’s letter to the Romans, God provides some helpful direction about making the best use of your time. The first is to “wake up” (verse 11), then put on God’s armor and cast off darkness (verse 12), walk in the light and live righteously (verses 13-14). Live in a way that honors and glorifies God (Matthew 5:16), rejoice in the day God has made (Psalm 118:24), care for others (Philippians 2:4), and keep Jesus and His priorities uppermost (Matthew 6:33).
If you have had difficulty with how you use your time, ask the Holy Spirit to direct you. Pray for believers in Congress to seek to glorify God through their time in public office.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 5:15
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
