Text: Ephesians 5:15-17
By: Odafe, Obukohwo
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Introduction
Imagine boarding a commercial bus at Airport Junction, travelling towards Benin, while your actual destination is Sapele.
After travelling for some time, the driver announces your bus stop: “Sapele dey!” However, you are distracted by your phone, sleeping, or chatting with another passenger. Before you realise what has happened, the bus has passed Sapele. Suddenly, you discover that you have travelled beyond the place where you were supposed to get down.
The question is: What happened?
You boarded the right bus, began the journey, and travelled in the right direction, but you failed to recognise the moment to get down.
Beloved, every journey has a destination, and every destination requires attention. In the same way, many people miss important opportunities in life because they fail to pay attention to God’s direction. Some are distracted by fear, comfort, relationships, ambition, worldly pleasures, or disobedience.
Ephesians 5:15–17 – encourages us to walk carefully, make the most of our time, and understand the will of the Lord.
Some principles to guide you to your bustop
- KNOW YOUR DESTINATION BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Scriptures: Luke 14:28; Proverbs 16:
Every successful journey begins with a clear destination. Before a passenger boards a bus, they need to know where they are going. In the same way, every believer must seek to understand God’s purpose and direction for their life.
- DO NOT ALLOW DISTRACTIONS TO MAKE YOU MISS YOUR BUS STOP
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–2, Luke 10:40-42
A passenger can miss a bus stop by paying attention to everything except the journey. Likewise, a believer can lose focus because of fear, worry, pressure, unhealthy relationships, pleasures or the desire to please everyone.
Hebrews 12:1–2 teaches us to lay aside every weight that hinders us and to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Not everything that attracts your attention deserves your attention. Some things may appear harmless but gradually consume the time and energy you need to fulfil your purpose.
- BE CAREFUL WHO INFLUENCES YOUR JOURNEY
Scriptures: Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33
The people around you can influence your decisions, character, faith, and future. Some people encourage you to grow spiritually, while others may lead you away from God’s principles.
Not everyone travelling with you is heading towards the same destination. Therefore, you must be careful about the friends you choose, the advice you accept, and the voices you allow to influence your decisions.
- DO NOT GET OFF BEFORE YOUR TIME
Scriptures: Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36
Every journey has its challenges. Sometimes, the road is long, the journey becomes uncomfortable, and the destination seems far away.
These difficult moments can tempt us to give up on our faith, abandon our responsibilities, or walk away from our God-given assignments.
However, Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good because we will reap in due season if we do not give up.
Do not allow temporary disappointment to make you abandon your purpose. Keep trusting God. Keep doing what is right. Continue to seek His direction. Do not get off before your time!.
- ARRIVING AT YOUR DESTINATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MOVING FAST
Scriptures: Philippians 3:13–14; 2 Timothy 4:7
In life, speed is not everything. What matters is whether you are moving in the right direction and fulfilling God’s purpose.
A passenger travelling at high speed on the wrong road may reach the wrong destination faster. Likewise, a person can be busy, ambitious, and successful in the eyes of others but still neglect what God has called them to do.
Do not measure your life only by how quickly you achieve things or how far others appear to have gone. Learn to walk in God’s direction, remain faithful, and finish well.
Paul declared in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
- THE WRONG BUS CAN TAKE YOU TO THE WRONG DESTINATION
Scriptures: Proverbs 14:12; 1 Kings 12:1–19
Every decision is taking you somewhere. If you choose the wrong direction, you may arrive at a destination you never intended.
Proverbs 14:12 warns that there is a way that seems right to a man but ultimately lead to destruction.
This scripture teaches us the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and direction before making decisions that can affect our future.
Consider Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. When Rehoboam became king, he rejected the advice of the older counsellors and followed the harsh counsel of his younger companions. His decision contributed to the division of the kingdom.
He had the opportunity to lead wisely, but his choice of counsel led him towards a disastrous outcome.
- Recognise the Season You Are In – 1 Chronicles 12:32; Ecclesiastes 3:1
Life moves through different seasons, and every season has its purpose. As Christians, we must learn to recognise the season we are in and respond with wisdom. Wisdom helps us respond appropriately to each season.
In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar were described as men who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do. Their understanding helped them recognise what was required at the right moment.
Conclusion
Beloved, life is a journey, and God has called us to walk wisely. Do not allow distractions to make you miss your bus stop. Do not follow the wrong people, abandon your purpose prematurely, or become so concerned about speed that you forget your destination
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