We must be careful, every one of us. Careful about whom? About ourselves. And about what? About how we live. And why? Because we should live not as unwise but as wise. So what should we do? Redeem the time, because the days are evil. What does it mean to redeem the time? Not to walk after vanities which pass away but to do our best in time to store spiritual treasures which thieves will not steal and rust will not destroy.

If we continue to read, the Word of God says: “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” It means that if anyone tries to understand what the will of the Lord is in the place where he is and in the time which God gives him, he is wise. Next, we read: “And do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves….” The Apostle emphasizes: “Sing to the Lord with all your heart.” And he adds: “Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is wise. This is how we redeem the time. In verse 11 we read: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them (who turn against God) in secret.” The situation is worse today – evil things are not done in secret but openly. They even poison small children to destroy their souls. “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” And the Apostle emphasizes: “Anything that becomes visible is light.” That is why it is said: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Let us not be spiritual sleepers but zealous servants of Jesus. He is our Lord, He is with us always, even though we cannot see Him or do not realize it. Therefore we need to realize again and again in prayer that God is with us, and if God is with us, who can be against us?

Download: Reflection on Eph 5:15-16