There Is Much To Do

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 NIV

There is much to do, and we only have a limited amount of time, so Paul admonishes us to make the most of every opportunity! What does it mean that the days are evil? The Greek word, ponēros, translated here as evil, is an adjective used to describe an active form of evil and is often used in reference to Satan himself. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon explains it’s meaning this way: full of labours, annoyances, hardships; a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble. Can you relate to that thought? Can you identify challenges in your life that cause pain and trouble? Might your daily challenges be influenced by Satan to knock you off your game and destroy your faith?

If so, Paul says, “Be very careful, then, how you live.” So how then should we live? We are given two clues earlier in the chapter.

 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

As you follow Christ’s example, your love for God and your love for others will lead you to lay down your life in sacrifice to God. How do you know if you’ve reached that point? Every thing you do should be something Jesus would do if He were living in your shoes. If it’s not, then you haven’t laid down your life. It becomes a question of who’s in control, you or God? He will not force Himself on you, but instead waits patiently for your obedience and surrender.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV

It really boils down to a matter of choices. It’s easy to find out what pleases the Lord, but can be hard to choose those things every time. It has to start with a determination to have nothing to do with darkness, in any form. Remember, the days are evil! You have an enemy who will do all he can to actively engage you in darkness. Do not let him drag you in. And if you’ve blown it in the past, ask God for forgiveness and accept by faith that He no longer holds it against you. Do not allow Satan to suck you into a never ending cycle of guilt and shame. That’s not what God desires.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Yes, the days are evil, and there is much to do! Let’s not waste even one day, but rather stay focused on God and make the most of every opportunity to be close to Him and impact the world around us.