Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 5:15-20.
“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. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God has called us to be part of His plan. As we know, He needs no help from us, but graciously includes us in His redemptive work. Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (v. 16), using the gifts God has given to reach out to others.
Paul says we must strive to “understand what the Lord wants you to do” (v. 17), through prayer, studying scripture, and discussing God’s plan for us with others. When we go into the world, others are watching our behavior to see if we act in accordance with our teachings. A faith that doesn’t obey its own beliefs is not a true faith.
If we accept the Holy Spirit as the guiding presence in our lives, we can act as Jesus did, loving one another and leading those who don’t know the Lord to an eternal relationship with Him. It won’t be easy, the world will resist losing its power over people. However, we know Christ goes before us and has opened the way to life everlasting for all.
Loving Lord, we are weak because of our sin, but when we repent and turn to You, we can be made whole through Your love. Send us to share the Good News to all Your children. Amen.