Ephesians 5:15-17
Thoughts from Amanda Cook
Dive Deeper
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Behind the Scenes
Being a follower of Christ is simple, but it’s not easy. Simple because all you have to do is say “Yes” to His invitation. That’s it. You’re in. But that doesn’t mean it is easy to follow Him day to day.
As Paul tells us, we have to walk as wise, not unwise. We have to make the best use of our time. But we also know that is a struggle. Even Paul struggled, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15). The struggle is real!
We are not to be foolish – we are to understand what the will of the Lord is – and oh by the way – DO IT. This word “understand” is the Greek word syniemi, and I love how it expands a little in the Greek language. It means to put the perception with the thing perceived.
Make it Real
One of the questions I get the most when I’m talking with people is, “How do I know what the will of God is? How do I know that it’s not just MY thoughts rolling around in my head?” GREAT questions! But let’s go back to this work syniemi – to put the perception with the thing perceived. Follow me on this…
Let’s put this in a real scenario. Let’s say I need to make a decision about my job. It’s a big decision. Do I stay where I am, or do I apply for that other job I saw? I make good money where I am, but I’m not happy. I’m not fulfilled. So, I pray about it, and I feel like I’m supposed to apply for the other job.
THIS is where it gets tricky because my feelings start to push me. Is this the Holy Spirit guiding me or my own desires? I’m perceiving (feeling) that I should apply. Now does this line up with the perception? What was the perception? The perception is that I would be happier in another job. So far so good.
BUT we need to put this with the rest of the verse, “the will of the Lord.” Ah yes, this is where we get hung up. Because we go round and round in our heads trying to figure out if it’s God’s will or just our desires. Is this the Holy Spirit or the enemy? It’s tough because we want to do the right thing. We want to follow God and His will, but sometimes it’s just not clear.
Here are a couple of questions that might clarify things:
Which decision will bring me closer to God?
Which decision will bring others closer to God?
Which decision will glorify God?
Bring these questions to your quiet time in the Word. Bring these questions to your Godly community. We weren’t made to do life in a vacuum. He has given us tools to help and guide us – use them. Use them all. Then move forward. Do SOMETHING. Because in the end, if your heart is aligned with God, you are in His Word, and in community with His people, you can’t lose. It may be the wrong decision, but He’s got you, He’ll continue to guide you, and He will be glorified through it all.
See it’s simple, but it’s not easy. Because there are times we will be called to put our own needs, our own happiness, our own ease to the side for God. To be a living sacrifice For His Glory. For His people. Because my friend, this life is not about us, it’s about HIM!
Colleen McGeorge
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Prayer
Father, I rest my life in Your hands. Not idly sitting by but trusting that as long as my heart and thoughts are set on You, that You will bring good from all of it. I know that I will make wrong decisions and poor choices, but I also know that You’ve got me. You will set me back on the right path. Lord for those struggling to see Your will, give them clarity and direction. Help them remember that You are for us not against us. Help us, help me, to turn my thoughts from myself to YOU. In Jesus’ name ~ Amen!