A Christians Checkbook- Be Very Careful How You Live Series

Series: Action [#180]

A CHRISTIAN’S CHECKBOOK- BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE

Ephesians 5:15-17

Introduction:

In Ephesians 5, Paul tells us to walk in love, walk in the light, and now he tells us to walk carefully. As we close out another year, how can you live closer to God in 2024? For the Drake family, 2023 had its serious challenges and its great victories; but God has done great things. For 2024, you need to be very careful how you live your life- It matters.

Ephesians 5:15a

Make sure you…

1. Watch your step.

I enjoy hunting and fishing. I also enjoy trying to find the secret spot that no one has ever been to. (That hasn’t happened yet.) Because I am always looking for that special spot, I always end up in really rough terrain. I am walking through high grass, mesquite bushes, sand, etc… My dad and I have been reminded more than once that we need to watch our step. We have narrowly avoided stepping in holes, stepping on rattlesnakes, stepping on cactus, etc…

Just 3 weeks ago, while I was trying to stalk an elk with my Daughter-in-law, (Melanie); I stepped on a loose rock and fell hard. I went from hunting an elk to breaking a tailbone. I still feel that injury with every step I take and especially when I sit or lay down- It is a reminder that I need to watch each step I take.

Spiritually, we have to be careful of each step we take. We have to be very careful how we live. Consider what you are doing before you do it. This New Year, I challenge you to pray about what you are going to do before you do it.

Ephesians 5:15b

Make sure you…

2. Use your head.

You need to make wise decisions. If you are a person who just “shoots from the hip”, you need to change how you do things. Think about what you are doing. If you lack in wisdom, then ask God.

Ephesians 5:16

Make sure you…

3. Make the most of every chance you get.

The KJV says to redeem the time. That means, “to make the most of every opportunity you have”. What does every opportunity mean? Every opportunity, means you must live like Jesus, lift up Jesus, and serve God at all times. God puts people in front of you, opportunities to serve others, and opportunities to give God glory.

Ephesians 5:17

Make sure you…

4. Understand what the Master wants.

Do not be foolish; but understand what God’s will is in your life. 2 weeks ago, the last point in the Sermon was to find out what God’s will in your life is. Today’s text says to understand what God’s will is. How in the world can you understand God’s will? I know that God does not want any to perish. I know that God’s will for you is to be holy because God is holy.

Conclusion:

Each of you must be very careful how you live. I pray that each of you walk with God in a way this New Year that brings glory and honor to God. Happy New Year.