David Bahn – Reflections

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹  submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Jesus says, “Wisdom is justified by her children.” I take that to be the ancient near-eastern equivalent of, “the proof is in the pudding.” If you are wise it will show up in how you live, the decisions you make, and the outcome of your life. A life well-lived is the child of wisdom; it’s the proof that the ingredients of the pudding were good.

In these verses we discover what a life of wisdom looks like. We will make the most of opportunities to do good, honor God, and live out our faith. We will seek to learn and do God’s will. We will not seek solace or stupor in spirits, but yearn for the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and expression of faith and love for God. We will carry on our relationship with God not as a weekend hobby, but as a lifestyle of worship, thanks and praise. We will honor one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sometimes we face situations that require us to take our lives off autopilot. We have to engage our minds, think about the decisions before us, and chart a course toward a specific destination. In those moments we can charge blindly forward, unaware of the pitfalls of foolishness or blessings of wisdom. Or we can seek to discern God’s will and navigate our lives by the wisdom of God’s truth. We can show that we fear, love and trust God above all things. He is our highest good.