June 11 | Ephesians 5:15-20
DAILY READING
Ephesians 5:15-20
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REFLECTION
Redeeming the Time
by Mary Alice McGinnis
It may sound a little morbid, but I am captivated by cemeteries. I am especially intrigued by older tombstones. As I read the names, the dates of birth and death, it causes me to ponder.
“What was their life like?
Who were their family members and friends?
What struggles did they have in life?
What did they worry about?
How long did they live?
Whose lives did they touch?”
All this pondering reminds me afresh how frail we are, and how short life on this side of heaven truly is. My desire in all this pondering is to redirect my heart to what really matters.
I believe that is at the heart of what Paul is telling us today.
Paul begins chapter 5 of Ephesians (vs 1-2) , “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
We are God’s dearly loved children! We have been given a precious opportunity – to live our lives FOR HIM!
In today’s reading, I find the New King James wording of these verses fascinating.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Two phrases jumped out at me when I read them.
First, “walk circumspectly.”
Other versions translate this word as “be careful how you live.” But circumspectly has a broader meaning. Miriam Webster defines it as:
“careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : PRUDENT.
Circumspect . . . implies looking before you leap but puts a unique spin on being careful in the face of risk or danger.
Circumspect