TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
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.
Ephesians 5:15–17
DEVOTIONAL
by Anne Teo Ong
I think that most of us are familiar with the phrase “you only live once,” normally used to throw caution to the wind and to do anything and everything to live in the moment. In contrast, God calls us to take a step back and think about how to live our lives properly—not according to the world’s standards—but according to His.
The world we are in today is evolving at a very quick pace all around us and tends to influence us, whether or not we are aware of it. We are surrounded by ideas, norms, trends, and other societal labels. We are told in Ephesians 5:15 to be careful, and verse 16 tells us that the days are evil. Why is that? We must keep in mind that with all the changes going on around us and with all the different types of people we are surrounded with, not everything is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. The world provides us with influences and outlooks in life that, when we think on it properly, might ultimately not be aligned with how God wants us to live. When we go forward blindly, without His guidance, we are more susceptible to slip-ups that we may not even be aware of. That is why He reminds us to be careful because the world is a vast place, and we are surrounded by worldly ideals that sometimes when we listen too intently to how the world wants us to live, we begin to forget and lose sight of how God wants us to live.
Verse 17 also reminds us not to be foolish and to take the time to understand what God wants for us and what His will is. This is a reminder to keep God at the center. Because His teachings are greater than what the world can teach us, it is only through Him that we can live our lives to the fullest and in accordance with His will.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Ephesians 5:15-17. Please help us be wise in our choices and make the most of each opportunity. Guide us to understand and walk in Your will, especially in these challenging times. May we shine as lights in the darkness and use our time wisely to honor You and only You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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