Starting a new year

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV)

When Paul penned those words, life was tough. “Ephesians” was among a group of letters Paul wrote from prison. While he had a number of years left to serve the Lord, he didn’t know that for sure, nor did he know what each new day would bring. He understood the truth of what he said very thoroughly. We must make the best use of the time because the days are evil. We must not be foolish but we must understand what the Lord’s will is.

There are several connections my mind makes in reading these verses.

First, I have 2 college graduates numbered among my 4 children (1 of them is about to finish her Masters). The girls are living in their own apartment and each holding down full-time jobs.  Our third just returned today for his final semester at Liberty University.  By next summer he will not only be a graduate; he'll be married.  People told me often as a young dad; “enjoy them while they are little…it won’t be long and they’ll be gone.” I’m beginning to understand what they were saying.  Our nest is growing emptier and emptier.  We’re wondering more and more where the time went.  

Secondly, I keep seeing more and more of the “kids” that were in the youth group during our first ministry experience now in their 40's...watching their own children grow up.  The ones we have kept up with are walking with God and I am grateful for that. It is good to see them moving on through life’s ups and downs and continuing to follow the Lord. It’s still weird to realize how much more they are my peers than my "kids…"

The more we experience the swiftness of time’s passing, the more we appreciate Paul’s words. We talk about time as if it was something to be spent…killed…wasted. Paul talked about it as something to be invested. “Be careful; make the most of every opportunity; understand the Lord’s will.” That’s an important perspective.

I want to encourage you, to spend a little time evaluating your priorities. Do you have “Kingdom priorities?” Are you more concerned with the things of God than with the things of earth? Are you seeking to walk more by faith and less by sight? Are you choosing dependence on God rather than independence? Are you living in the context of fear or God’s love?

These are all important considerations for the believer. They will make a significant impact on how we use our time. Let’s continually recommit ourselves to living on God’s time table. Let’s always be searching out the best way to invest our time so that God’s will can be accomplished most efficiently in our lives. It’s a constant process, isn’t it?
             How are you entering this New Year?  What are some of the ways you evaluate your life and effectiveness for the kingdom?