Maximising Our Influence, Minimising Our Distractions

UV 3744/10000 Maximising our Influence, Minimising our Distractions Making the most of your time ( on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence), because the days are ( filled with) evil. Ephesians 5 v 16 We, followers of the Lord, having been saved should save or redeem our time to do the Lord’s will. We need to act with wisdom, prudence and diligence in utilizing every moment, every contact, every influence we have, every opportunity to advance the kingdom of God, the glory of God on earth. Diligence implies knowing which word of God applies to which decision and action of ours. Diligence means obedience to the word of God. When we are obeying the Word, we are doing the will of God. We are honouring God in our lives and trying to maximise our potential and influence for the Lord on earth. We are living as the wise and not the foolish who ignore the Word. St Paul did not mince words when he said that while we pursue the purpose God has set for our lives with courage and strength from above, we should recognize that this world is full of untruth and evil. We should realize that we will face all kinds of temptations, trials, tests, tribulations, obstacles and persecutions. Yet, we should move forward from day to day with confidence in the promises of the Lord to be with us through it all. Maximising our potential and influence for the Lord is to be accompanied with minimizing our distractions and attractions to the seductions of this world. We should cast aside anything that hinders our faith, affects our sense of purpose. We can do all this only if we constantly ask the Lord for wisdom, supernatural wisdom and power and grace. We should not rely on our own sense or senses but on the constant guidance and coaching of the Holy Spirit. Since the days are filled with evil often disguised as good, we should be spiritually discerning so that we make the right choices consistently. Even on days and occasions when we fail, we should pick ourselves up with God's grace and help, renew ourselves in wisdom and power and move ahead with our eye focussed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.