Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

Ephesians 5:15-17

Every day is full of choices. A man’s life is the sum of his choices, both big and small.

I can remember an important lesson I learned in my college economics class. My professor was a bit quirky, but he made a point that has stuck with me forever. The term “opportunity cost” was frequently visited and has shaped my thinking ever since. An opportunity cost is a value, benefit, or profit that you give up when you choose something else. Men make choices all the time, but rarely consider what the decision cost them. If I am not careful, I am that man.

Routine small decisions are ones I rarely give thought to because I am too focused on the here and now. I can fail to see the bigger picture at times. An excellent example of this is exercise. I sat in my car in the parking lot of the gym one day, debating with myself if I had time to workout. Seeing the number of emails to answer and tasks to do, I knew the opportunity cost of exercise would be productivity time. On the other hand, taking care of myself often leads to better eating decisions, sleeping patterns, and overall good health. I could choose to bear down and work or drive myself to work out.

Paul paints a similar picture of a life full of choices. These include being wise or unwise, stewarding opportunities or letting them slip by, and foolishness through being ignorant of God’s will instead of seeking to understand it. All men will make a poor decision from time to time. Paying attention to the patterns of decision and trajectory of life is key. The Lord’s will is His Word, so choosing to spend time reading it daily is an activity that must exist in the life of a disciple.

DO THIS TODAY: Choose to let go of an opportunity of lesser importance and read Ephesians 5 today.