"I believe that God both can and will bring good out of evil. For that purpose he needs men who make the best use of everything."-DB

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil." - Eph. 5:15-16

This connects directly to Bonhoeffer's understanding of humanity, which centers on the concept of individual moral autonomy. Paul's exhortation in Ephesians to "make the most of the time" is essentially a call to reject the witless existence of those who surrender their agency and independent thought. Instead, we are to live as sensible, intelligent people—what others might describe as prudent and intentional.

Through my own experience, I've discovered a fundamental principle that holds true across all circumstances—whether in failure or success, poverty or prosperity: the wisest course of action is simply to do what lies before you. Take the next step that presents itself and execute it with excellence. When you strip away all complexity, this is the only thing we can truly do.

The beauty of Paul's promise is this: when we live with such intentionality, redeeming each moment as it comes, God's grace works through our faithful actions. Time itself becomes redeemed, and divine purposes unfold through our obedient engagement with the present moment.