Scripture
Be very careful then how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.

Observation
Paul exhorts us to live wisely, using all of our days to live for Christ. We need to understand the Lord's will.

Rather than getting drunk we need to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. Our focus should be on the Lord- using hymns and psalms to encourage one another and also being thankful to God for everything.

Application
To be wise, according to Paul, means having my focus on Jesus all the time. It is easy to let our days fritter past us without any thought for God. Our whole lives need to be directed to Jesus.

One way to do this is to surround ourselves with Christian music- not just listening to praise songs but singing them.

Another way is to maintain a thankful heart, praising God in every situation.

We need to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit- the gifts that enable us to minister and the fruit that gives us the character of Jesus.

As we do this we will find our influence for Christ expands along with our experience of His grace.

Prayer
Holy Spirit come and fill me. Wash away all of the sin and self-sufficiency in my life. Replace them with your grace and power. Amen.