Today’s devotion comes from Ephesians 5:15-21.
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-21.
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We need to make the most of our time.
There are a lot of bad and worthless things that we should be careful to not do. These bad and worthless things are bad for us; they waste our time; and they lead us away from doing what is best.
But, we also need to even be careful that the good things do not waste our time and lead us away from doing what is best. We do not have unlimited time. We may not have the same spiritual gifts to do those good things that others do. We may not have the same opportunities and favorable conditions to do those good things that others do.
We were created to do certain good works and given spiritual gifts and opportunities and favorable conditions to do them. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8.
Should we neglect the best for us to do in order to only do what is good?
Should we do what is only good (not the best) just because others asked us and appealed to our pride?
Should we do what is only good (not the best) by muscling through it by our flesh, rather than doing what is best by walking by the Spirit?
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time …” Verses 15-16.
“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2.
Consider the sharp rebuke that Christ gave to Peter who tried to prevent Him from suffering and dying and thereby tried to prevent Him from presenting His body as a holy sacrifice. “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Matthew 16:21-23.
But, there is hope!
“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 