Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Here are some words from of our SCW group's study of Ephesians BE RICH, by Warren Wiersbe.

...We cannot know what a day may bring forth (James 4:13-17). But it is also true that a planned life can better deal with unexpected events. Someone said, "When the pilot does not know what port he is heading for, no wind is the right wind."

Life is short (v. 16a)......Our English word opportunity comes from the Latin and means"toward the port." It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the Harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.

The days are evil (v. 16b) In this time, this meant that roman persecution was on the way ( 1 Peter 4:12-19). How foolish to waste opportunities to win the lost, when soon those opportunities might be taken away by the advances of sin in society! If the days were evil when Paul wrote this letter, what must be their condition today?

God has given us a mind (v.17a) "Understanding" suggests using our minds to discover and do the will of God. Too many Christians have the idea that discovering God's will is a mystical experience that rules out clear thinking. But this idea is wrong--and dangerous. We discover the will of God as He transforms the mind (Rom. 12:1-2); and this transformation is the result of the Word of God, prayer, meditation, and worship. If God gave you a mind, then He expects you to use it. This means that learning His will involves gathering facts, examining them, weighing them, and praying for His wisdom (James 1:5). God does not want us simply to know His will; He wants us to understand His will.

God has a plan for our lives (v. 17b). Paul alluded to this plan (Ephesians 2:10). If God saved me, He has a purpose for my life, and I should discover that purpose and then guide my life accordingly. He reveals His plan through His Word (Col. 1:9-10), His Spirit in our hearts (Col. 3:15), and the working of circumstances (Rom. 8:28). The Christian can walk carefully and accurately because he knows what God wants him to do. Like the builder following the blueprint, he accomplishes what the Architect planned.

As another school year begins for students and teachers, I am reminded that life is short, and that I should prayerfully look for opportunities to share with co-workers and students. The "plan" , God willing, is that I am only going to teach for two more years and should seize every opportunity during that short time. As Paul talked about the days being evil, the children in our schools are facing evils that no one could have ever imagined. Believing students and teachers should use our "minds" to seek God's will and plan that He has for us in our schools (or any work place). Circumstances in my life recently placed me in a new school, where I am excited as to what God has planned for me at Anthem Elementary School.

Pray for all students and teachers as they begin this new school year. May God provide many opportunities to share and be that example that would point lost souls to Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.

Randy Smith