Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is good advice for anyone who wants to focus on achieving a set goal or target. For the follower of Jesus though there is a special imperative. Thankfulness. Being grateful in all things for what God gives us in Jesus. Paul wants his readers to avoid distractions and wasting time in frivolity. Not because he wants to diminish their enjoyment but because there is more joy to be found in thanksgiving as we consider and celebrate the many good things God has given us.

John Wesley wrote about the mature christian… “As they are easy to others, so they are easy in themselves. They are free from the painful swellings of pride, from the flames of anger, from the impetuous gusts of irregular self-will. They are no longer tortured with envy or malice, or with unreasonable and hurtful desire. They are no more enslaved to the pleasures of sense, but have full power over both their body and mind, in a continued cheerful course of sobriety, of temperance and chastity. They know how to use all things in their place and yet are superior to them all.”