December 27, 2015

Ephesians 5:16 NLT - "Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days."

Commentary:

As I closed yesterday's commentary about being alert to those opportunities to touch the lives of others, so Paul emphasizes this thought here.  Time is a commodity that exists for everyone in equal measure. It's not that some people have more time than others.  We all have "all the time there is!"  It's how we use that time that makes the difference.  What Paul wants us to think of is perhaps said differently by someone else, "Every day is made up of 24 hours.  24 hours you have never lived before, and 24 hours you will never live again."  What will we do with today?  What will we do with this hour?  As you study history you can't help but see that certain people rose up to the opportunity that was placed in front of them and did "great things" in a short time.  They saw the chance and seized the moment and life was never the same.  That can definitely be true of any Christian.  Do you realize that the ministry of compassion on one soul in one moment of time can alter their eternal destiny?!
Now Paul also stresses that the days are evil.  And he was speaking 2,000 years ago!  Think the days have gotten better?!  NO, they haven't.  We're seeing evil on the rise and righteousness being suppressed as Paul spoke of in Romans 1:18.  NOW is the time to live for the Lord!  Don't live your days ending them in regret for missed opportunities.  End each day with praise for the privilege of being used of Him to touch the lives of others for His glory and for their eternal good!