How can we make good use of our time in 2025 to glorify God? Ephesians chapter 5 offers the following:
A. Verses 15-17 indicate we are to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time” and “understand what the will of the Lord is.” Circumspectly means carefully in a manner that exhibits caution and discretion. For activities that may be questionable, ask yourself, “Should I be doing this? Would my family approve, and most importantly, would God approve?”
B. Verse 18 says not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit. How can we be filled with the Spirit?
- “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
- “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Stay focused on what is good, pure, and righteous.
C. Verses 19-21 states, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
At Karns, each member is connected and form one body in Christ. This connection is realized when we are assembled and engaged in worship to God. Commit this year to be better connected with your church family through attendance at worship services (to worship the Father and for the edification [building up] of each other). Commit also to be better connected through attendance at Bible classes, as well as other offerings (fellowships, service projects, meals, and the like). These all bring us closer together.