There May Be an Opportunity Hiding in the Interruption
In Ephesians 5, Paul calls believers to recognize and act on the opportunities God places before them, especially when the days are dark.
By EEW Magazine Online Inspiration Editors
An open door can appear where you least expect it. (Credit: Eoneren/Getty Images)
Some of the most important opportunities God gives us show up in ordinary moments. A friend calls on a hard day and needs a word of encouragement. A tense conversation at work offers a chance to speak the truth in love, or to hold your tongue until the temperature in the room drops. An unexpected interruption puts someone in need directly in your path. When the pressures of life consume our attention, we can miss what is happening in front of us and recognize its significance only after it has passed.
The Apostle Paul wanted believers alert to these moments. Writing to the church at Ephesus, he urged, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16, KJV).
To walk circumspectly is to live carefully and thoughtfully, paying attention to what each situation requires. Walking is one of Paul’s recurring pictures of the Christian life, and it runs throughout this chapter. He has already told the Ephesians to walk in love (v. 2) and to walk as children of light (v. 8). Now he urges them to walk in wisdom.
The phrase “redeeming the time” gives that alertness a purpose. The Greek word Paul uses for redeeming pictures buying up something valuable while it is still available. His word for time is kairos, which can refer to a particular season or an opportune moment. Opportunities arrive and pass, and Paul urges believers to make good use of them while they are still within reach.
He adds a sobering reason: “because the days are evil.” Paul understood the spiritual opposition believers faced. Earlier in the letter, he described the sinful influences and spiritual forces at work in the world (Eph. 2:1–3). Later, he would instruct the church to put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11).
Evil days weigh heavily on weary people. Fear, frustration, and discouragement can consume our attention until we lose sight of the needs around us. Yet even in hard times, the love of Christ can reach someone through a believer who is paying attention.
There is still good to do in evil days.
Recognizing those opportunities requires wisdom, and Paul points believers toward its source: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (v. 17).
When we hear “the will of the Lord,” our thoughts often turn to the future, to which door will open, what decision to make, or how a difficult situation will turn out.
Paul directs our attention to how we are living right now.
He has already spent much of Ephesians 5 describing conduct that pleases God, including walking in love, rejecting the works of darkness, and living as children of light. Much of what God expects of us is already revealed in His Word. As Scripture shapes our thinking, we grow better equipped to recognize what obedience requires.
Knowing the right thing to do and finding the strength to do it are two different challenges. Wisdom may call for a gentle answer when we are angry, courage when speaking up feels uncomfortable, or patience when we are already exhausted. Paul goes on to urge believers to “be filled with the Spirit” (v. 18).
We need the Holy Spirit’s help to live out the wisdom God gives, and when our strength runs short, we can ask Him to supply what we lack.
So pay attention to the opportunities God places before you this week. The next one may arrive through an unexpected phone call, a difficult conversation, or someone whose need interrupts your plans. Seek wisdom in God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize what the moment requires and to give you the strength to respond faithfully.
The days are evil, and the Lord is still good. Redeem the time He gives you.
