DEVOTION – DAY 618

Ephesians 5:15-17 “Live Wisely” 

Ephesians 5:15-17 “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, understand what the Lord’s will is.”

In above verses, the apostle Paul gives us a contrast between wisdom and foolishness. A foolish person has no strategy for life and misses opportunities to live for God in an evil environment. They usually follow public opinion and go along with what is common and popular. They not only fail to make wise use of their time they fail to know what God’s purposes are for mankind and for Christians. In God’s grand plan, He had established the glory and headship of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God had planned the salvation of all who would repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God also planned for His people to fulfill His great purposes as a body, His Church.

Today, many choose to reject the truth and light that the Lord offers. Instead, they choose to follow the ways of this world, and thus live foolish and aimless lives. But Christians are called to live differently, not as the foolish live, but as the wise live, using their time and effort to serve God’s purposes set out for them. Every Christian has been gifted differently and have been called to serve the Lord, to build and extend His Church. They have been called to be the salt and light in this sinful world.

As an example, David Livingstone answered God’s call to serve as a missionary in Africa in the 19th century. To equip himself better, he studied medicine and chemistry. He was sent by the London Missionary Society to Africa to remote areas. Not only did he explore unknown territories, he often brought the gospel to unreached tribes and people. He also offered much needed medical treatment in his travels. He was an example of someone who chose to live wisely to fulfill God’s purposes for him, to reach the lost in Africa, and to inspire others to follow his example.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word that teaches us your mighty purposes and reveals your heart. Please help us to model our heart after yours, to carry out your Will and purposes for us and to give you the glory. We humbly pray in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What are some ways the foolish like to use their time, and to live for themselves? 
  2. How are you choosing to use your time now? Are you using it foolishly or wisely?
  3. How are you fulfilling God’s purposes and plans for you?
  4. Who can you share the gospel with and help them to live their lives more purposefully?