“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
It doesn’t take much to convince us that we live in an evil age. The news constantly reminds us that there is evil in the world. We see evidence of mass murder, terrorism, greed and godlessness in every direction. We could easily give up, but that isn’t what God has done and it’s not what He wants us to do.
The good news in this Scripture is that we don’t have to be shaped by the world around us. In the midst of the mess around us there are opportunities and we can make the most of them. We as believers can make a difference in the lives of others. We do that by making the most of our opportunities.
An appropriate word in just the right place, a smile at just the right time or a helping hand at just the right moment can make a world of difference in someone else’s life. I can remember distinct times in my life when someone seized a moment and changed my day. I want to pass that along to others.
Yes, the days are evil, but we are not. If we pay attention God is regularly providing moments of opportunity. Grab them! That’s what it means to be wise.
