Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Over the weekend I helped my oldest son with a little project at his place in Crestwood. Years ago I built a porch swing that isn’t used that often here anymore, so it will make a nice addition on Zach and Sowmya’s wrap around porch. The project wasn’t that difficult, but it required some planning to hang the swing properly and safely. We weren’t in any real danger, but Zach could have suffered some kind of injury had he fallen in the attic space where he anchored the beams for the swing.

It reminded me of today’s passage. We live in a world that is filled with problems and potential danger, both physical and spiritual. Paul doesn’t tell us to stand still and do nothing. He encourages us to redeem the time we have. Make a careful assessment of each opportunity throughout the day and make the best use of the time we have.

“The wise Christian will watch for opportunities to do good, to speak the life-bringing word to sinners, to pray the rescuing prayer of intercession. The foe of opportunity is preoccupation. Just when God sends along a chance to turn a great victory for mankind, some of us are too busy puttering around to notice it. Or we notice it when it is too late.”

A.W. Tozer

For most of us, this is the beginning of the day. We will have multiple opportunities to redeem the day ahead. Let’s walk purposefully and do good this day.