Irvin Wasswa, Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC

Ephesians 5:15-16
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

When I was a kid some of the most joyous times were having the opportunity to go and hang out at my cousin Alex’s house. Growing up with two little sisters, Alex was basically like a brother to me.  Whenever I went over there we always made sure we had a great time. We would stay up super late playing video games, then go play basketball for a few hours, then do it all again until Sunday came and I had to go home. We both realized that we only had a limited amount of time we got to spend with each other having fun so we better make the most of it! We realized that there was no time to waste!

The concept of choosing to make the best use of your time is the truth Paul highlights to the Ephesian saints (and to us) in Ephesians 5. He charges them to choose to live wisely by making the most of the time they had on the Earth. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that it is appointed for all men to die and then face judgment. The reality we all know is that one day we will all die. The question is what will you do with the time God has given you here on the earth?

The sad truth in the lives of many Christians is that many have bought the lies that culture has been preaching regarding what it looks like to make the best use of your time on Earth. Whether it’s living your life pursuing pleasure or the American Dream, to being fine with choosing to be an apathetic Christian—just along for the ride of life and merely coasting into eternity—many have missed it. Paul would classify such a person unwise because at the end of your life you look back and realize that you have wasted your life.

Here’s the truth: It doesn’t have to be this way! Choosing to make the most of your time here on earth ultimately is about choosing to love God with your whole heart (Matthew 22:34-40), and living out His mission to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). No matter if you are 9 or 99, the call for the Christian is still the same!

Let me encourage you to make the most of the time you have here on earth. If you have wasted your years, the great thing is that we have a God who is willing to forgive and redeem. Run to Him in repentance and start today answering the call to love God and live out His mission!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord, give me a heart to choose to make the most of the time You have me on this earth. Please forgive me for the time I have wasted chasing worldly things. Grow my love for You and give me the strength to say yes to You and Your mission every single day! Amen!

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
Romans 1:20 – For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.