A sense of urgency
Light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 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 5:14-17
From our text, Paul stated that when Christ came in this world it was His purpose to bring light into this world. This then becomes the mission of every follower of Christ; to help those who are in darkness to see the light that comes from Christ. Christ had set an example for His followers on how to live the new life they received from God. “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). Part of the example was for Christians see that the life of Christ here on earth was characterized by a sense of urgency. It is striking how often He uses the term “must” in connection with the different aspects of His work He came to do here on earth. Even when he was still young, He told His parents, “I must be about my Father's business” (Luke 2:49). As He grew up, in the beginning of His ministry going to different places, He said that He “must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore I am sent” (Luke 4:43). He also told His disciples “how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). Christ gave us examples so we will not take for granted the life He gave us and that we will be serious about the work He called us to do. Paul himself realized how important for him as a child of God to follow Christ’s example. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The world we live is filled with dangers and deceptions. We can easily be tripped by the events and circumstances without being aware that we already have fallen into deceptions. This is why we are called upon to live with wisdom and “make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:17). Understand what the Lord wants from us and do the work He sent us before the opportunity is gone. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
