Gather ye rosebuds while you may,
Old time is still a-flying,
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.
-Robert Herrick
Carpe diem is a descriptive term used for literature that urges readers to live for the moment. It originates from the Latin phrase "seize the day," used by Horace. This seize-the-day concept is exemplified by the familiar stanza from Robert Herrick's "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" which I quoted above.
The same idea can be found in a rich passage of Scripture found in Ephesians 5:15 & 16 which says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
The phrase, "making the best use of" is very engaging. The translation from the Greek language can mean to "redeem" or "purchase." With this thought in mind, we as Christians are to take advantage of every opportunity to do good. And, because wisdom regarding the pathway to holiness is not immediately clear to us in our culture today, we must stop and reflect upon God's Word with a sincere desire to discern His holy will.
The apostle Paul goes on to add in verse 17, "Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is." Paul understands that God has supplied everything we need to know about living a godly life in the general guidelines that we find scattered all throughout His Word.
Recently, I found that I had gotten a little rusty handling the "sword of the Word." I realized once again that the ability to research, remind and refresh ourselves from His Word is a wonderful gift from God. Thank goodness His Word is stable and consistent so that I always have a plumb line to return to for processing the pressing needs in my life.
Especially during this time of thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to formally thank God for His wonderful provision and praise Him for the loving-kindness that creates in Him the desire to love and guide us, His fragile sons and daughters!
O Lord, help us to remember to carpe the diem!
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom," Psalm 90:12.
