We all have equal amounts of time; no one is richer or poorer when it comes to possessing time. What is the best way to use it? Many of us are committed to some form of work or schooling, yet we must always be conscious that we are living for our Creator. More than this – that we belong to Christ. If we choose to do as we please we are sowing seeds for habits that will take us away from God. This creates stronger underlying character traits that make it harder to serve God effectively.

The context of the words in our heading are, “Awake O sleeper … and Christ will shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:14-17).

In our Ezekiel reading the prophet reaches the climax of his ministry of warning the exiles: the Lord tells him a fugitive is about to come from Jerusalem and say, “The city has been struck down” (33:21). The prophet’s message which God had been putting in his mouth had proved true. He had been a true watchman, but it seems that few had listened and accepted his message. It was not what they wanted to hear. The early part of the chapter is about the responsibility of a watchman; when he does his job properly he is exonerated for “he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people” (verse 3). God has given us His word. It is our responsibility to share it at every opportunity, and make opportunities to share it – “for here we have no lasting city but seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). We make the best use of our time if, as true watchmen we encourage others to seek that city and live in that day when those who have heeded the message will join with us in singing, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!” (Psalm 48:1).