Paul understood that one's Christian experience and relationship with God must be maintained on a regular basis. He not only preached to convert sinners but also taught his converts how to live daily. He was great at a "follow up" ministry--going back to visit to see how they were doing (Acts 15:36). Also, a large part of the New Testament is made up from Paul's letters to the churches to continue their development as Christians.
One instance of this follow up is the epistle to the Ephesians. In chapter 5, Paul encourages them to "be imitators of God" (v. 1) and builds up to verses 15 and 16--warning them that "the days are evil."
Anybody that can't see that the days we live in are evil is not awake (see vs. 13 and 14). Have you watched the news on TV lately? The world is in a turmoil, with wars, massacres and other threats. In our own country we are bombarded with robberies, murders and rapes. And, its not always far away. Often its in our own state or city.
Politically, we see graft and greed. Environmentally, we see earthquakes, tornadoes, storms and/or droughts. Economically, there is homelessness, bankruptcy and financial devastation. EVERYWHERE THERE IS EVIL!!
How do we live in an evil world?
My sharing today is simple. Paul said "Wake up", "be careful", and "be wise." The KJV of verse 16 is translated "redeeming the time, because the days are evil". (Italics mine). The New American Standard Bible translation of the same verse is "making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Italics mine). The NIV translated verse 16 as "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Italics mine).
Father, help me to stay awake and aware of the evil in the world around me. Grant me wisdom to walk before others so You may be glorified. May I use my time in sharing Your Word and Your Ways. Amen.
Will you share your life and time with somebody today?
If you will, share this post with your friends and/or contacts.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
One instance of this follow up is the epistle to the Ephesians. In chapter 5, Paul encourages them to "be imitators of God" (v. 1) and builds up to verses 15 and 16--warning them that "the days are evil."
Anybody that can't see that the days we live in are evil is not awake (see vs. 13 and 14). Have you watched the news on TV lately? The world is in a turmoil, with wars, massacres and other threats. In our own country we are bombarded with robberies, murders and rapes. And, its not always far away. Often its in our own state or city.
Politically, we see graft and greed. Environmentally, we see earthquakes, tornadoes, storms and/or droughts. Economically, there is homelessness, bankruptcy and financial devastation. EVERYWHERE THERE IS EVIL!!
How do we live in an evil world?
My sharing today is simple. Paul said "Wake up", "be careful", and "be wise." The KJV of verse 16 is translated "redeeming the time, because the days are evil". (Italics mine). The New American Standard Bible translation of the same verse is "making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Italics mine). The NIV translated verse 16 as "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Italics mine).
- Redeem the time
- Make the most of your time
- Make the most of every opportunity.
Father, help me to stay awake and aware of the evil in the world around me. Grant me wisdom to walk before others so You may be glorified. May I use my time in sharing Your Word and Your Ways. Amen.
Will you share your life and time with somebody today?
If you will, share this post with your friends and/or contacts.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
No comments:
Post a Comment