Isaiah 14-16, Ephesians 5:1-16 • Key Verses: Ephesians 5:15-16
Perhaps you have seen this slogan: “Life is short. Play hard.” Perhaps you also have seen the
rewritten version: “Life is short. Pray hard.” One letter makes all the difference. It is- the
difference between a temporal mind-set and an eternal one.
A temporal mind-set thinks primarily about the things of now. It focuses on this world as if it is all
there is. The time is now because there is no other time. It embraces an “eat, drink and be merry
for , tomorrow we die” philosophy of life.
The Christ follower, however, knows that this life is only temporary; the world to come is
permanent. So, we have only this much time and we better make good use of it—good use not in
the sense of getting maximum pleasure as we play hard, but as we make it count for all eternity.
It is foolish to waste time. Paul both warns and encourages us: the time we have is limited and the
days are evil, so we need to make the best use of our time to impact this world for Jesus while we
have opportunity.
Opportunity is originally a Latin word that means “toward the port.” When the winds and tides
were favorable, the sailing ship would take advantage of the “opportunity.” The days are evil, Paul
says, which sounds like unfavorable winds, not favorable. Still, this is our time, our opportunity.
Life is short. Pray hard.
Think about how you spent your day yesterday. Did you make it count for eternity? Now think
about today. In what ways will you make it count?
Woodrow kroll & Tony beckett