Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5 

How do you make the best use of the time God has given you here on earth?  That’s what we’re going to learn today as we look at Ephesians chapter 5―the 19th most frequently read of the top 20 passages in the Bible.

When Billy Graham was asked what surprised him most about life, he responded, “The brevity of it.”

Life is short, and God wants you to make the best use of the time that He’s given you here on earth.  He doesn’t want you to waste it on sinful activities that, while possibly providing some momentary pleasure, will eventually end up wasting―and even destroying―your life and the lives of others.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes:

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

There are a lot of ways you can spend your days, and Paul takes the rest of chapter 5 to compare and contrast several of them with practical examples.  Here are a few:

In talking about living a life of purity, Paul says:

“Be imitators of God.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us….” (Ephesians 5:1-2a).  

He goes on to say that we shouldn’t have even a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or covetousness, and adds:

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:3-4). 

In talking about drinking, Paul says:

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20a). 

In talking about relationships, Paul says not to abuse any authority God may have given you―whether it’s between husbands and wives, children and parents, or workers and bosses―but to submit to one another out of love, being willing to give up your life for those God has put in your care, as Christ laid down His life for us (see Ephesians 5:22-33 and 6:1-9).

What do you want to be remembered for in life?  And how might God want you to use your life to make a mark on this world for Him?

You may have heard of the famous Nobel Peace Prize, named after Alfred Nobel.  But you may not have heard that Alfred Nobel was one of the wealthiest arms and weapons manufacturers in the world.  When Alfred’s brother died, a French newspaper mistakenly printed an obituary of Alfred instead, with the heading, “The merchant of death is dead.” The paper went on to say that, “Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.”

Alfred was so disturbed by this assessment of his life that he decided to change the way he lived it―and the way he would be remembered throughout history.  He donated the bulk of his estate to establish the Nobel Prizes, given annually to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the world in the areas of physical science, chemistry, medical science, literature, and finally “peace.”  This man who might have been remembered as one of the most notorious “merchants of death” is now remembered as one of the most famous encouragers of peace.

Henry Manning, a priest back in 1884 wrote:

“Next to grace, time is the most precious gift of God. Yet how much of both we waste.”  

God doesn’t want you to waste the days He’s given you.  He wants you to make the best of them.  If you’re not sure how to do that, read Ephesians 5 and look for specific things that God might want you to start―or stop―doing in your life.  Then do what Paul encouraged the Ephesians to do:

“Look carefully then how you walk…making the best use of the time…” 

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us the time we have here on the earth.  Help us to make the best use of time that we can.  Keep us from destroying ourselves and others by the things we think and say and do, and help us to bless You and bless others instead.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

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