Live Like Those Who Are Wise
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Today we will use Ephesians 5:15-17 to proclaim and pray over our lives. These verses form part of a letter Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. In chapter five of this letter, Paul gives the believers sound counsel on how they should live. This same advice is apt for us as believers in Jesus Christ today. Paul urges us to be cautious about allowing the immoral and impure practices of the world around us to influence us. Paul goes on to say that immoral and impure practices were part of our lives when we were living in darkness, but now we have been called out of darkness into the light of God’s salvation (1 Peter 2:9).
Paul says in Ephesians 5:3-5 that those who participate in these practices will not inherit the kingdom of God. The kingdom Paul refers to is God’s eternal kingdom, but it also refers to God’s kingdom that we can experience here on earth through the indwelling of Holy Spirit.
When we allow Holy Spirit to guide us, we will not be easily deceived by the empty words the world offers us (Ephesians 5:6). We will live as children of light. We will receive wisdom and discernment from Holy Spirit so that we can bear fruit that is good and true and right. We will bear fruit that is pleasing and acceptable to God (Ephesians 5:7-10).
Do Not Be Foolish
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
Paul goes on to urge us to be careful about how we live our lives (Ephesians 5:15). He urges us to use wisdom in our decision-making so that the paths we follow are God’s righteous paths. He also urges us to use our time well because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). The psalmist says in Psalm 90:12 (NIV),
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
When we understand that our lives are fleeting, we will allow Holy Spirit to empower us to grow in wisdom. As we grow in wisdom, we will get rid of foolish things so we can discern and understand God’s will (Ephesians 5:17) as revealed in Scripture, and also understand His will for our personal lives.
Proclaim & Pray:
Help me, Lord, to be careful how I live. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit so that I will not be busy with the foolish things of this world, but use wisdom in everything I do. Help me realise that my life is fleeting so that I will make the most of every opportunity and live a life that pleases You. Help me to be aware of the evil days we are living in. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit so that I will know Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
