"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV).
Someone can lose a fortune, even declare bankruptcy, and in the end gain it all back. Many have. But we can never "gain back" even one minute of time.
We must use the time God gives us wisely, investing it in what matters for eternity. And none of us knows how much time we have.
So Paul warns the believers in Ephesus to make the best use each day, because the natural tendency of all things is not toward godliness, but toward waste and evil.
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The disciplined use of time is part of "stewardship." That term means to manage what really belongs to Someone else. We were purchased and redeemed by God at the cost of Christ's life, and now we belong to Him:
"...You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
It is not our time but God's time now. How can you use it wisely?
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7).
Make daily investments in the things that will matter for eternity and for the Kingdom of God.
Dave Ramsey is famous for budgeting, and advising people to "put a name on every dollar before the month begins and tell each one where to go."
We need to begin to take some baby steps to do something similar with our time. The difference is, we can't actually save up time. We must invest it each day.
Start with the end in mind. What are God's priorities?
How does Romans 14:12 affect your answer?
How can you "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness?" What's one small step to get started?