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. (Ephesians 5:15-17, NLT)
I don’t like being rushed into a round of golf, but all too often I let my potential warmup session evaporate due to poor time management. Facebook. Errands that can wait. The plethora of YouTube swing tips. Each time I stand on the first tee cursing myself, I relate to Paul’s self-loathing, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15, NIV).
In the grand scheme of things, losing a little golf time is not a big deal. But as today’s verse reminds us, it is a big deal when it comes to our faith. The stakes are too high to procrastinate.
According to the CDC, life expectancy for the overall US population is roughly 78 years. That’s 28,470 days. I’m an average kind of guy, so at 54, that means I only have 8,760 days left. Lord willing, that is. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
It’s on me if I, who gladly accepted that gift, do not tell others about it.When it’s our time, it’s our time. Speaking of which, why do we typically wait until a funeral to pour out our praises for an individual? Why not tell people how much we appreciate them now, making the most of a “living opportunity”?
More importantly, do we share the Good News in our spheres of influence, or do we “act thoughtlessly,” figuring we’ll get around to it someday? God’s will for us is multi-faceted, but one thing he wants us to do is clear. We are to make people aware of the gift of his grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
I know where I’ll be spending eternity, but I can’t say I know that about everyone I know. I’m afraid some friends won’t be there with me, and that’s a scarier thought than whether I took the opportunity to compliment them while on earth.
I’m not here to argue with anyone. If someone wants to turn down a gift, that’s on them. But it’s on me if I, who gladly accepted that gift, do not tell others about it.
As today’s verse encourages, we are to make the most of every opportunity. So while I have your attention, let me ask you this. Do you know where you’re going when you die? If not, please email me. I have a prayer I want to share with you.
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Drew Hamilton
June 23, 2021
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.