Ephesians 5.15-17 15 Be
very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most
of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be
foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. – St. Paul
Paul the Apostle lived
for Jesus Christ. He saw his life as that of a soldier, an athlete, or farmer –
every day was another day to focus on what those three occupations represent.
The soldier serves to defend and protect (though often he is on the offensive,
taking new ground). The athlete controls and orders himself because he desires
the prize (although the Golden State Warriors weren’t very warlike last night…).
And the farmer serves to produce food for himself and for others.
Paul served Jesus in the war of the world; he competed
with the will and passion of the athlete; and he conducted himself with the
patience and skill of a farmer: if I do what I’m to do, then my crops will
supply what I need.
And so Paul said to the Ephesian Church: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making
the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be
foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. The Lord’s will is: His people conduct themselves in this world
as His servants and emissaries of His Kingdom. That is what Christianity is
all about – serving and representing God in this world.
Why else would Paul challenge us to make the most of
every opportunity? What opportunity?
The only opportunities that matter are those that lead someone to see and
understand, and become a friend of God. So every day is filled with opportunity
for someone to protect and defend; and take new ground. Every day is filled
with the desire to compete for the prize, please God, and understand what His
will is. And every day presents opportunities for the patience and skill of
farming: planting, watering, and waiting for the day of the harvest.
“Well I didn’t know
that’s what I was signing up for!” It’s in the Owner’s Manual. B.I.B.L.E.:
Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. Why else be a Christian if there isn’t
some expectation of what our lives ought to be, and what we are to do? Paul
said, make the most of every opportunity to represent Jesus well, and know what
God’s will is… God’s will is to make as many friends as possible. Simple:
Singular Imminent Majesty (for) People Living (on) Earth.
I have opportunities today to live for the Master as a
soldier, athlete, and farmer. I have opportunities today to be an Ambassador.
All that’s required of me is to make the most of every opportunity I have to
represent Jesus well: in all I do.
Lord Jesus, may it
be so as we walk together: Lord, and child. Amen.
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