I am so very excited to think about the great things God has in store for the Body of Christ as we seek to be pleasing to Him. Never has there been a more exciting time and never has there been a more sobering time as now. This is a time to walk closely to the Lord and keep a close watch on our integrity. Ephesians 5:15-18 declares, “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be NOT UNWISE, but UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE WILL OF THE LORD IS. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.” In these particular verses we are challenged to take great care in our personal lives, to make the most of our days and to grasp God’s will for our lives. Let’s investigate closer!
First, let’s look at verse 15: “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” The Twentieth Century Translation declares, “Take great care, then how you live…” We need to be very careful how we handle our personal and business affairs. The Lord expects us to live a life of high integrity in every arena. In a world full of corporate scandal, loose morals and compromise, we need to keep the standard high! We are not to live foolishly, but wisely through our obedience to God’s Word. We are to resist compromise no matter how well Satan packages it with promise. One unknown author once said, “Integrity is the noblest possession.”
Secondly, let’s look at verse 16: “Redeeming the time, for the days are evil.” The Phillips Translation declares, “Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of the days.” The Word of God is clear, in these last days, we will find ourselves facing difficult times. The good news is, as 1 John 4:4 declares, “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We have the Greater One living within us. God will help us overcome all the adversity of the evil day we live in! We all are given twenty-four hours each day to invest wisely or unwisely. As we invest our lives to walk in the Spirit we are redeeming the time in God. Another unknown author said, “Time is given unto us to use in view of eternity.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”
Thirdly, let’s look at verse 17: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, BUT UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE WILL OF THE LORD IS.” The Johnsons Translations declares, “Get a clear grasp of God’s intention for you.” The Phillips Translation declares, “Don’t be vague, but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of the Lord.” Capenters Translation declares, “God has his purpose for you. Discern it, cling to it, make it your own.” The Message Bible declares, “…Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” God obviously has a specific course for us to follow completely. He doesn’t want us shooting in the dark, but firmly grasping from the Word, revealed by the Holy Spirit, his amazing plan for our lives. Another unknown author said, “Fail to plan in knowingly planning to fail.”
Fourthly, let’s look at verse 18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” The Twentieth Century Translation declares, “But seek to be filled with the Spirit.” The Williams Translation says, “But ever be filled with the Spirit.” The Phillips says, “But let the Spirit stimulate your soul.” It’s clear from the Word that there is a direct link between the will of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the precious Holy Spirit who guides us into the will of God for our lives! We are believing God with you for His best as you honor Him. We appreciate you so very much and thank you for your friendship to this ministry.
