Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 11-14
     New Testament Reading: Ephesians 5

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk – not as unwise people but as wise – making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18).

It’s been said that we live in a world that honors machines that think and condemn people that do. Often, we hear things like, “it is what it is, don’t ask why.” “Just go along to get along.” “Don’t think – Don’t ask questions – Just do it!” “Que sera, sera whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see”, and on we go through life mindlessly following those around us.

Going along may ease your way through life, but this so-called common sense sets you adrift on a current away from the wisdom of God. What is missing is any sense of purpose and connection with eternity. God has given each of us a mind for knowledge and understanding. Paul urges believers to use it to gain Spiritual Wisdom through God’s Word.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk (v15) counsels the apostle Paul. Christians are not to be unthinking little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching (Eph 4:14). Instead, we are to be mature sons and daughters of God and walk in wisdom. Paul suggests three characteristics of the believer that are made wise in Christ.

First, we are to make the most of the time (v16).A wise believer knows he does not have much time, so he does not waste what time he has. A long life of 80 or 90 years is a brief moment when measured against the promise of eternity. Since our time is short, we need to make the most of every opportunity. How can we expect to spend eternity with our Lord if we don’t have time for Him now?

Second, we are to understand what the Lord’s will is (v17). Scripture is clear on many specific matters. The Bible does not spell out whether you should be a butcher, or baker, or candlestick maker. But it teaches whatever your occupation, live according to your calling as a Christian and pattern your behavior after that of God.

Third, we are to be filled by the Spirit (v18). It is within the power of the believer to allow himself to be taken over by the Holy Spirit. Just as the drinker submits to the power of the drink, the Christian submits to the power of God in his life.

The Holy Spirit is promised to every Christian. Unfortunately, not every Christian has fully opened himself to the control of the Spirit. Paul is not suggesting that we need to get more of the Holy Spirit into our lives. We already have Him. What Paul urges is that we allow the Holy Spirit to get more of us!

God has a plan for our life, and He expects us to discover that purpose and guide our life accordingly. Christians can walk carefully and wisely because they know and understand what God wants them to do. Like a builder following the blueprint, we can accomplish what the architect planned.