Seeking Opportunities

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 (niv)

In the previous passages, Apostle Paul tells us, first, "Be ye therefore followers of God.." and to "walk in love" just as Christ Jesus did! Then Paul changed the tone a bit to discuss about the evil ways of the world: fornication (which means sex outside of marriage), and all uncleanness, coveteousness (always want more). Filthiness or foolish talking that comes out of our mouths and hands (sign language) or passing accusations. And be assured that no person who idolizes evil ways will ever enter the kingdom of Christ and God. A word of warning: let no one deceive you with vain words and it is guaranteed that God will pour out wrath on the Deceivers.

Most important of all is that we refrain from being "partakers of evil" or in other words, mingle around with evil people whom may plague you with evil influence. If you're around a very "negative person", you're more likely to become a "negative person". If you're around a drunkard, you could become one. If you're around a "critical person", you'll become a "critical person".

But, those who surrendered their life to the Lord, baptized into His death, into His blood to wash away our sins, we have become the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light proving what is acceptable unto the Lord!

Now, we're given opportunities. But, first, we need to be very careful IN HOW WE LIVE. Of course.. The world are watching Christians like we look at a fish in a fishbowl. They won't understand one, two or hundreds of mistakes we do and accuse us of being "hypocrites" (actors). Even worse, they'll think faith is futile, that we're chasing after the wind.

It is impossible to maintain purity and holiness of the heart and life without great wisdom and care. We're to walk wisely, not as unwise. We shouldn't declare to the world that we're the light of Christ but walking blindly and stumbling at every corner. We cannot do one and the other. Such a person doesn't comprehend all that God was trying to tell him/her in His Word. Such a wise person is thoroughly taught of God through His Word (Bible). Without the Word living in each of our hearts, we're walking blindly and living unwisely.

Two avenues.

The one that walks wisely seeks to be godly husbands/wives, worshipping God faithfully, possessing a serving heart, daily seeking the Lord in prayer, watching for temptations and refraining from them, have better use of tongue/hands (no profanity/finger-pointing) and takes care of his/her life improving it to the best of God's purposes. They seek opportunities leading up to the gate of Heaven!

But the one that walks unwisely are in jeopardy every hour, stumbles into trouble and wickedness. They are troublesome and prone to fall into dangerous situations that threatens their entrance into eternity with God.

That's why Jesus died for us all! He died on the cross to save us from unwise and evil living. He wants us to always remember that He knows what it is like to be "tempted". He experienced that for 40 Days and 40 Nights! He didn't stumble into the three temptations Satan offered Him. He allowed the Scripture to prevail against such temptations. He quoted them. He stood by them. He sought opportunities that lasts for eternity!