Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 5:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, Verse 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Verse 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, Verse 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, Verse 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotion
Everything we have—every breath in our lungs, every morsel of food, every sip of drink; every gift, moment, loving relationship; every bit of our story—comes as a gift from the hand of our gracious God. We have choices about how to receive and what to do with the gifts that have come our way.
God's Wisdom has something to say about how we live. We can live self-serving lives of indulgence, debauchery and foolishness. Perhaps we might dress it up a bit and say "I have amassed much; I shall eat, drink and be merry." But the intent is the same. So is God's response.
Or perhaps we shall remember Whose we are and from whence come our blessings. We can remind ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs that we are called to lives of infectious servant love in God. We can make the most of our time loving God and inviting others to share in the blessings we have so undeservedly received.
Prayer
God, thank you. Help us live gratefully and generously, all to your glory. Amen.