Scripture & Thought
Ephesians 5:15-16
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Have you ever gotten a phone call in the middle of the night? When the phone rings your heart jumps because no one wants a call at that hour. And then for some strange reason, the caller usually asks, “Did I wake you?”
I don’t know why, but generally, we deny it. Why can’t we just say, “Yes, I was asleep. It’s nighttime?”
In Romans 13 the apostle Paul warned Christians to wake up and stop living in denial about the fact that some of them were actually sleeping spiritually. He wrote, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (verse 11 NKJV).
The J. B. Phillips translation puts it this way: “Why all this stress on behavior? Because, as I think you have realized, the present time is of the highest importance—it is time to wake up to reality. Every day brings God’s salvation nearer.”
What is the present time that Paul is referring to? I believe Paul is alluding to the fact of Christ’s return. Do you believe that Jesus could come back today? That’s good if you do. It means you’re very astute theologically. He could come back today, so be aware of that reality.
Yet, there’s another thing I would add: Be aware of the fact that you don’t know how long you will live. I know many young people who have passed on. My son Christopher went to Heaven at the age of 33.
Let’s live every day as though it could be our last because one day it will be. That is why Scripture says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV). Especially at this time, keep perspective, and make each day count. Make each day significant.
Live every day as though it could be your last, because one day it will be!
Prayer: Dear God, I want to stay alert spiritually. Please help me to keep my spiritual focus where it needs to be, especially in these days of uncertainty and chaos. There are so many voices pulling us in all sorts of directions, that it’s easy for us to lose our direction. So, Lord, help us to keep holding onto your hand through it all. We know we can trust you, and we trust you alone! Help us to keep our eyes and minds on you, and you will deliver us! Amen.