July 13, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Ephesians 5:15–17
Some people can’t say no to a salesman at the door. Others have the hardest time passing up a litter of free puppies.
I AM A SUCKER FOR TIME-MANAGEMENT BOOKS.
Some people can’t say no to a salesman at the door. Others have the
hardest time passing up a litter of free puppies. Some people struggle with
driving by a garage sale without stopping. Still others find it almost
impossible to withstand the urge to gamble. Not me. My weakness is books
that teach me about the investment of my time—all of those volumes
that promise to tell me how to replace simply being busy with being
effective. I have a special place in my heart for books that get me to
think through things before plunging into them.
I could save money (and the time spent reading) if I remembered what the
Bible says about how to live effectively. The biblical antidote to the
problem is described best by the apostle Paul:
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.
EPHESIANS 5:15–17
Such truths grab my attention. Walking wisely is the secret to living above
our circumstances rather than under them.
If you kept reading Ephesians 5, you’d discover that the Holy Spirit
is the One who helps you manage life effectively:
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.
EPHESIANS 5:18–19
Put yourself under His control by spending time in His Word and committing
to a life of obedience and trust. That’s what will guarantee
you’re using your time wisely.