Scripture:  Ephesians 5:3-20     Commentary

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do (Ephesians 5:15-17, NLT).

Observation:

Sin takes no thought or planning. It’s easy to be greedy, impure, or immoral and to go along with and excuse those who are. Living a life pleasing to the Lord, however, takes deliberation. We must first “carefully determine” what pleases God (v.10) then carefully live it (v.15).  We must exercise wisdom (v.15) and understanding (v.17). Only then can we make the most of every opportunity to be people of the light, producing what is “good and right and true” (v.9).

Application:

Rejecting sin is not enough. Unless I purposefully choose to do good instead, I miss an opportunity to serve Jesus. Sin can effortlessly and thoughtlessly fill the vacuum left by those missed opportunities. My “careful” life of pleasing the Lord recognizes each situation as an occasion to express my love and thankfulness to Jesus.

 Prayer:

Father, fill my heart with songs of thankfulness. Transform my thinking. Give me grace to welcome every encounter and challenge as an opportunity to serve your Son. Forgive my greed and thoughtless, sinful speech and actions. Replace what is impure in me with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.