We need to remember that a lifetime is nothing more than a collection of individual days woven together. Moses has clearly grasped this concept. In Psalm 90 (NIV), if you read the initial verses, you will immediately sense his struggle with life. However, in verse 12 (NIV), he utters, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The admonition to “teach us to number our days” urges us to recognize the significance of each day and ensure that we make each one count. It involves actively applying the principles and values that shape the desired trajectory of our lives to the choices and actions we take in the present moment.
In Ephesians, Paul delivers a poignant message urging us to tread carefully in our daily lives.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:15-18 NIV)
He admonishes us not to live foolishly but wisely, seizing each moment with purpose. But why? Paul underscores the urgency by reminding us that we dwell in times marred by darkness and moral decay. It is a call to vigilance, to recognize the gravity of our choices amidst a world fraught with peril.
So, what does it mean to “make the most of every opportunity”? It’s not about chasing worldly success or fame. Instead, it’s about aligning our actions with God’s will. Paul implores us to seek understanding, to discern the Lord’s purpose for our lives. And what is that purpose? It’s nothing short of a radical transformation, to be transformed into Christ likeness, a journey towards embodying the character and love of Christ.
Yet, amidst this charge to wisdom and discernment, Paul issues a sobering warning against indulgence and excess. He cautions against the allure of drunkenness, which clouds judgment and leads to moral degradation. Instead, he urges us to seek spiritual fulfillment, to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
When we surrender to drunkenness, we relinquish control to our baser instincts, rendering ourselves incapable of discerning God’s will. It’s a wasted opportunity—an empty pursuit that leaves us spiritually bankrupt. Conversely, when we allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives, we experience true abundance and purpose.
So, let us heed Paul’s admonition and walk in wisdom, seizing each moment as an opportunity to align ourselves with God’s will and to be vessels of His love and grace in a world desperately in need of redemption.
Though the concept may be straightforward, it encompasses a lifelong journey of intentional growth and alignment with God’s will. By consistently investing in the study of his Word and integrating its wisdom into our daily lives, we lay the foundation for a more profound and meaningful relationship with God in the years to come.
Our lives unfold according to how we live each day. The same principle applies to our Christian journey and relationship with God. We can envision ourselves having a closer bond with him and a stronger faith a decade from now. Yet if our daily lives do not reflect that aspiration, our relationship with God will likely remain stagnant.
Consider Tiger Woods, for instance. We all know he was one of the world’s greatest golfers. If you can somehow observe his everyday life as a teenager, you will understand that his actions have reflected the person he’s become. He has sacrificed his teenage years on the golf course to become one of the greatest players. If we envision a closer relationship with God in ten years, we must ask ourselves, “Does my everyday life align with the kind of Christian I aspire to be? The only way to reach that desired relationship is by taking action today and doing what is necessary to get there. We must also acknowledge that it will require sacrifice—sacrifices of time and changes in our lives.
Seneca once said, “We are always complaining that our days are few, and acting as though there would be no end to them.”