Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV) - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

You only have so many days on this earth. We each only get a certain allotment of time. We don’t know how many days that is, but God does. The days of our lives are not a right we can demand, but a gift we must steward. 

I learned this lesson by raising a child with medical conditions that would eventually take his life. When he was young, and I fretted regularly about how long he would live, I eventually had to succumb to trusting God with his life, because I knew I didn’t control it. But I also came to a recognition that every day God gave Kaleb to us was a gift, not a right. 

It is no different for me or you. Our passage today tells us about the preciousness of time and stewarding it wisely. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Notice he tells them to be careful about how they walk. That language of “walk” is talking about our lives. We are to make sure we live carefully. He says to walk as wise, not as unwise, making the best use of the time. We are to live with wisdom and use our time to the maximum ability. 

This is an instruction from Scripture we should take seriously. Each moment is precious. Our days are gifts from above. We are to be wise with our time. We should make the best use of the time. This doesn’t mean we spend every waking second in Bible study. That is an unrealistic spiritual solution. What it does mean is that we don’t waste our lives on foolish endeavors or holding grudges. We seek the Lord, love others, and give our lives to His kingdom. 

Are you using the time God has given you in a wise manner? Ask your family or close friends what they think about that question. Are you investing in things that matter eternally for God’s kingdom? Are you following Jesus and living for His glory? This is the wisest way to use our time.

Reflection & Journal:
- What are some practical examples of making the best use of your time?
- What are some examples of unwise usage of time? 
- How can we regularly evaluate our lives to ensure we are being wise with our time? 

Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!