• A well recognized inventor called his closest friends together to unveil the new electric motor he had just finished. He stood in front of the group with his new product displayed on an elegant black velvet tablecloth and highlighted by a spot light.
• "Gentlemen," he said in a voice that exposed his pride, "this is my most recent invention - a newly designed electric motor. What do you think of it?"
• "Put it to work," said one of the engineers, "I can't tell a thing about it until I see it in action."
• If we say that we are Christ's disciples then others will recognize us as His disciples when they see us "in action." In writing to the Ephesians, Paul said that we are to be "careful how you live...Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Do not act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what God wants you to do."
• When Paul referred to "these evil days" he was emphasizing the urgency of presenting the Gospel message. Then, as now, "evil" has penetrated society in such a powerful manner that it is difficult to see good or goodness in the way so many Christians behave. What was once avoided as "unbecoming for Christians" has now become accepted as appropriate by many who consider themselves as His disciples.
• As the engineer said, "Put it" (our faith) "to work."
• Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to be aware of our witness in this world and to "understand" how we ought to live as Your disciples in this fallen, sin-filled world. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:15-20: 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. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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