Ephesians. 5:15 (NET) Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise
To walk carefully is to live accurately, precisely, and strictly in conformity to the standards of the Lord. We are to live according to God’s will. Some Christians live loosely, doing questionable, controversial things. However, we should not live loosely or carelessly. We are to live conscientiously, being mindful of God’s standards. We are to live in a way that gives close attention to God’s instructions. Before you do anything, think first if it is according to God’s will. Ponder first if it is according to God’s will in God’s Word. Consider first God’s standards before you take a course of action. But the question is how do we walk carefully? According to the text, we are to walk ‘‘not unwisely but wisely’’.
What does Paul mean by the word “wise” here? “In all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (See Eph. 1:8-10, emphases added) Here, the wisdom of God is his plan to unite all things in Christ.
The things we pursue are the things that are important to us. The things God does are the things that are important to Him. God wants to bring all things to Christ. That is what God is doing. That is the wisdom of God. Now you walk wisely if you pursue the thing that God is doing. You are wise if you align yourself with this wise plan of God to bring all things to Christ. Wise people of God pursue the things that God is doing.
Then Paul prayed that the God “may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him . . . that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (Read Eph.1:17-19, emphasis added). From the above scriptures, the wisdom of God is gained by knowing God. God’s wisdom will help you know what is the hope of your calling, what are the riches of his inheritance, and what is the greatness of his power toward you who believe.
Thus, to live carefully is to be wise. To be wise is to know the hope of your calling. To be wise is to know the riches of God’s inheritance in us. To be wise is to know the greatness of God’s power for us. To be wise is to understand this plan of God to bring people to Christ. To be wise is to live your life according to the will of God.
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