“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 may have heard the statement, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.”
Most of us would probably say we don’t plan on drifting away from those important to us, yet many people are disconnected from meaningful and significant relationships. We don’t intentionally set out to live under the bondage of debt, yet many people find themselves underwater in a lifestyle where they cannot be generous or charitable. We don’t set out to be self-consumed, yet many find themselves unable to focus on anyone but themselves. We don’t set out to live a meaningless life, yet many people find themselves in a place where they are not impacting the world around them.
Many of us can quickly slip into unintentional patterns that lead us to places we never intended to be. The busier we become, the easier it is to slip into a random and reactionary life that’s totally overwhelming while simultaneously moving away from a life of intentionality and impact.
These verses are a gift to someone who desires to make the most of their life! They are a call to intentional living.
So, how can you walk “not as unwise but as wise?”
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WISE PEOPLE
Your relationships will impact the way you live. It is unavoidable. Spend time with the wise and grow in wisdom. As Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” We grow in wisdom when we spend time with and learn from wise people. Who are you spending time with? Who are you listening to? Are you spending time with the wise or with fools?
ASK FOR WISDOM
One of God’s greatest gifts in the pursuit of wisdom is the invitation to ask Him! Look at James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
You have not because you ask not! God graciously and generously gives wisdom to those who seek him and ask for wisdom! Are you spending time in prayer asking God for wisdom?
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
The wisdom of God is revealed in Jesus. He is the picture of God’s wisdom. In the words of Colossians 2:2-3 “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in who are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Know what Jesus says. See how Jesus interacted with people who stood in opposition against him. See how Jesus navigates suffering. Follow the example of Jesus, and you will see wisdom!
In Ephesians 5:16 we are given a warning, “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Paul shows us that the world will not lead you to make the most of your life. Making the best use of the time requires an intentional decision not to get caught up in what is trivial and trite, to live for eternity, and to make the most of each day. The days may feel long, but the years are short.
How do we make the best use of the time God has given us? Recognize that the life God has given you is just a blip on the radar of eternity.
Pray Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Make the most of the time you have been given.
Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL
DIG DEEPER
Read “How do You Manage Your Time?” by Bryant Wright
