Ephesians 5:15-19 (NASB) ‘Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
I was reading Ephesians and this particular passage struck me. This might sound like a strange comparison, but it reminded me of the Clint Black song, “No Time To Kill”. “How on earth do you draw a comparison like that, Scott?!” It’s the reference to time and it’s finite nature (in this life at least). In this passage, Paul is expressing the importance of walking in wisdom and effectively managing our time. These are evil days, and there is no time to be slacking off. The only way to truly be effective in that is to know what God’s will for your life is. The only way to know what God’s will is, is to know His heart. The only way to know His heart is to read His word and commune with Him daily. You have to be constantly pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Another element to what Paul says here is to “not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation”. What is dissipation? It means to waste. What he is saying here is simply, make the most of every moment. Getting drunk, as well as a plethera of substitutes, is nothing more than a waste. If it isn’t edifying, it it doesn’t serve to glorify God, or to bolster a brother. it’s a waste of time. This is a simple litmus test that can be applied to, literally, every single thing we do, day in and day out.
So, regardless of what you are engaged in, no matter when, apply the simple litmus test… “Is this glorifying God?” If it does, continue. If it doesn’t, discontinue. If you are unsure, spend more time with Him and get sure! Remember… there’s “no time to kill”! Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
