Seize the Day
By Ron Blankenship
The following is adapted from a devotional by BCM/D President Ron Blankenship at the spring General Mission Board meeting.
If you had your life to live over, what would you do differently? Perhaps you’ve pondered that question from time to time.
The popular term “Seize the Day” comes from the Latin phrase meaning to “pluck the ripest fruits of life.” That’s a compelling thought, isn’t it? Is that what we’re doing? Ephesians 5:14-16 says,
“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
One survey of 50 senior adults over the age of 95 revealed three common reflections when they were asked, what things would you do differently.
Their responses were summarized:
- I would reflect more: Paul said to walk circumspectly, meaning to be aware of your surroundings. Reflect more on relationships, including family and friends, growing in one’s spiritual walk with God, and the free grace gift of salvation.
- I would risk more: Don’t waste time. Learn to say “no” in order to say “yes” to God’s priorities. It takes vision and courage to stand for God in a sinful world.
- I would invest more in things that outlive me: Give more than you receive. God calls His servants to sacrifice and suffer in order to find the deep joys of serving Him. Your life affects other people’s lives either for better or worse.
Life slips away like sand falling in an hourglass. Let’s seize the day while we can by giving all we have to God and letting Him use us for His glory.
Today is a gift from God. Let’s use it well for His glory.
Dr. Ron Blankenship serves as the director of the Montgomery Baptist Association and as president of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. This article is based on a presentation at the March 2026 BCM/D General Mission Board meeting.