Make the Most of Every Day

Martha and I lost a dear friend this week. Stevie (Stephanie) Hoppen passed away this week at a much too early age.

We lost a wonderful friend who has been a part of our lives since our children were little. Three families met together for Halloween and Christmas, birthdays and celebrations of every kind. There were boating parties and swimming parties and just time for adults to talk and children to play.

We have often thought how significant those times were for all of us.

The Bible has much to say about making the most of every opportunity. In fact, the apostle Paul used those exact words. He told the church to “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). “Evil” can refer to the idea that the days are short.

I remember when Billy Graham turned 70 (he is now 99 years old). He was asked what he learned about life in his 70 years. He answered, “I have learned about the its brevity.”

Paul also urged the Colossian Christians to make the most of every opportunity. “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you are to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5–6).

In this passage, Paul reminded us that we don’t have unlimited opportunities to share the gospel and to tell our friends and family about the hope we have in Christ. Therefore, we have to take advantage of every opportunity.

I want to remind you how important your family and friends are. Don’t take them for granted. Do your best not to miss the opportunities you have to enjoy friends and to conduct yourselves in a manner pleasing to Christ.

Make the most of everyday. Treat each day as a gift from God. Fill it with meaning and significance.

A couple of weeks ago I talked with a young man in our church whose teenage daughter is playing a team sport. I reminded him, “You won’t walk this way again.”

He’s a good dad and doesn’t miss much that his daughter does, but he still accepted my admonition with the resolve to make the most of every day.

May you and I do the same.

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4 Responses

  1. My condolences Waylon. I plan to forward your message to my closest friends. How wise of our Lotd to remind us that our days on this earth are brief and fleeting. And how gracious of Him to comfort us with the gift of eternal life. I can tell that your message was coming from deep in your heart. Thank you. You have honored Stevie well.

  2. Prayers for all as everyone begins moving forward differently without Stevie along side.
    The heartbreak is understood.
    Amen on your thoughts.

  3. Prayers for all as everyone begins moving forward differently without Stevie along side.
    The heartache is understood.
    Amen on your thoughts.

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