Wisdom Wednesday: Living Wisely
Submitted by: Debbie’s Dad
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
-Ephesians 5:15-17 NASB
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.“
-Colossians 4:5-5
In his messages to the churches at Colossae and Ephesus, Paul shared important insights into how we should live (walk) wisely. In the two passages above, he focused on three characteristics of a wise daily walk:
- Perspective of Time: We should make the most of every day and every opportunity for God. Paul used the Greek word for “buying” that is translated as “making the most of your time”–meaning we should view time as something we purchase to for good, rather than wasting for evil. In some versions, this is translated “redeeming the time”—rescuing our time from the evil of wasted. The wise person treats time as a resource to be carefully purchased for good.
- Perspective of God: We should know God’s will and act accordingly–in each circumstance. As we gain experience with the Lord, we increase our knowledge of Him and His ways and act accordingly. Paul prayed the believers would grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:17). To the Philippians, Paul exhorted the believers to have the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5)–humility and love for others that enables us to respond in God’s will.
- Perspective of People: Each interaction and each conversation with outsiders (those who are outside of faith) counts. Each interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate Godly behavior and share the Gospel. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Let us walk daily valuing our time to be used for the Lord, seeking to live according to God’s will, and viewing each interaction with outsiders as an opportunity to share the Lord’s ways and His Gospel message.