So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17.
“Adulting classes” are a modern-day phenomenon. They began around 2015-2016 in the wake of a generation that reached adulthood not knowing basic living skills such as personal finance, cooking, home repair, and job interview preparation.
Paul’s advice to the Ephesian church almost seems like an ancient version of adulting classes because of the way it directs the Ephesians to live with skill in a worldly city by being alert to opportunity and context. “Don’t live like fools,” he told them.
Paul’s writings are filled with good advice.
- “Get rid of anger, wrath, and malice,” Paul told the Colossian church. Colossians 3:8.
- “Don’t be conformed to the world,” Paul told the Roman church. Romans 12:2.
- “Put to death what is worldly in you,” he told the Colossian church. Colossians 3:5.
- To the Galatian church Paul said, “When you follow your sinful inclinations the results are immorality, idolatry, quarreling, and selfish ambition,” Galatians 5:19-21.
When we align ourselves with the Spirit and will of God, it has very clear outcomes. It becomes habitual to cultivate lives that are intentional, generous, compassionate, and loving. It is, in short, to live in a prepared way. Prepared for the coming of Jesus.
Prayer: O Jesus, hear our prayer and give us hearts that are holy and fixed on being like you. May we live in such a way that we will be prepared and anxious for your coming in the last day. Amen.