Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:16)
Benjamin Franklin was onto something when he coined the famous phrase, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Actually, he was applying a biblical principle to everyday life.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul told us to be wise and to make the most of every opportunity. We are to seize the day, immerse ourselves in the moment. Jim Elliot, martyred missionary in Ecuador, said “Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God!” We are not to live for the moment, but we most certainly are to live in the moment.
The Christians to whom Paul wrote faced the challenges of living in an ungodly culture just like we do. But, in fact, their culture was more pagan, more sensual, more materialistic, and even more dangerous than ours. Those who would not bow to Caesar as god were risking their lives. Theirs certainly was a not world friendly to those who follow Christ.
But Paul admonished them to make the most of every opportunity. They were to ransom or rescue the moments, the life they were given, “to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good” (Strong’s Concordance). If they could do that under the threat of death in the arena, so can we.
Hold on to the moment God has given you.
Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife and mom who lives in Indiana and likes to recharge with coffee and time with friends.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
