Carpe Diem-"Seize the Day"
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Be very careful, then, how you live … making the most of every opportunity …
Ephesians 5:15-16
Today is ripe with new opportunities to show and share Christ’s love through our lives. It’s an adventure to live as God’s holy people, called to be purified through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We live as robust, full-of-life Christians who radiate the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“Be very careful” to do this, because there are many seductive voices and temptations encouraging us not to follow Christ, but instead to serve ourselves and to find life’s meaning in possessions, position, and power. Be prepared instead to seize and redeem opportunities to live like Jesus, to be an ambassador sharing his truth and love.
One meaning of carpe is “ gather.” As our missionary God is “gathering his people” (the family of God, the body of Christ, the church), we have the privilege of joining in that effort to “gather” each day Jesus’ growing family.
There is no greater joy than seeing someone we love experience the “hug and kiss” of our God as he welcomes home another child who has been lost. Let God show you the persons he wants you to help him “gather” today.
Lord, we are humbled at your invitation to join you in gathering your children into your kingdom. Fill us with your love for others as we remember what you have done for us. Amen.
About the author — Allen & Lynn Likkel
Revs. Allen and Lynn Likkel have worked in communities across North America for many years—planting churches, nurturing them along, and developing new church leaders. A minister in the Christian Reformed Church, Allen served with Christian Reformed Home Missions for nearly 40 years, and Lynn, also ordained as a minister of the Word, has served to build leaders and new congregations. In November 2010, Allen entered retirement, and the Likkels moved to Washington, their native state. They have four adult children.
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