“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. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:15-20
Have you ever considered how many times the phrase “one another” is found in Scripture? It’s worth a look. Every believer has a responsibility to love one another, and encourage one another, forgive one another and submit to one another, to be devoted to one another, to bear the burdens of one another, and to faithfully assemble for fellowship, worship and teaching with one another.
We can’t do this from a distance. We can’t do it from the bed room, the ball field, or from the living room couch while watching “church” on television. In fact, we can’t even claim we are loving God (whom we can’t see) if we’re not making every effort to physically and consistently be in fellowship with one another (whom we can see).
The Apostle Paul instructs us to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Yeah, we know there’s plenty of evil in the world. The question is, what are you doing about it? If you desire to be a Christ follower, if it’s your desire to make a difference for Jesus in this increasingly dark world, your walk begins with being faithful and consistent within the local church. Choose any other path, and Ephesians 5:17 applies.