Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Ephesians 5:15-21 (AMPC)

Time and money have many things in common, and the lessons of today draw upon the principles of their management.

In verses 15-17 of our text we see that the wise walk circumspectly, knowing how to use their time and avoiding the distractions the world invitingly offers. Profitable work in the manner described in the scriptures is wise use of time but time spent in “relaxing” so called can be inimical to our well being in God. Learn from David – 2 Samuel 11:2-10, 1 Chronicles 20:1-3 compared with Acts 10:9, 10.

Particular note must be taken of verse 16, of the reference to ‘redeeming the time.’ The Greek word translated here reads ‘buy up at the market place’; as though time is an opportunity being regarded as a commodity to be recognized and snapped up when it shows up by one who recognizes it as specially appointed by God! Note the instruction on KAIROS moments outlined in Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10b, Psalms 33:16-19 and Romans 9:16

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment…for childhood and youth are vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:9,10b

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:16-19

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Romans 9:16

Dearly beloved, if you are distracted by this evil world, how can you recognize His appointed opportunity and the most important application of dispensing according to God’s will?

Photo by Who’s Denilo ? on Unsplash