Walk As Wise

It is possible to go through life aimlessly, not really caring about much, and therefore not really doing anything significant. This kind of life is marked by not seeking wisdom and getting into bad situations through carelessness. At the end of this type of life, only disappointment remains.

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “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.” It is possible to live a long life and not really accomplish anything significant. God encourages us the walk through life wisely, making the best use of the time. The best use of time requires that we understand God’s will and walk according to His instructions.

Transformed by Light

When we walk into a dark room, we cannot see the wonders that the room may hold. But turn on a light and whole new experiences open up to us as the light reveals the truth.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Bad thoughts do not come from God. When worry, fear, anger, lust, or other negative thoughts come into our minds, they adversely affect our attitudes and behaviors. God wants to transform us into godliness by renewing our minds through His Word and righteousness. His Word reveals what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Membership Benefits

When we join a club, we expect to receive the benefits of club membership. However, if we never make ourselves aware of the benefits or if we forget about them, then we are not taking full advantage of our rights as members. When we trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we become members of God’s family as adopted sons and daughters. God provides the most amazing benefits to His children. We take full advantage of these benefits when we remember to praise and thank God for them.

Psalm 103:2-3 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” As King David wrote this song, he encouraged himself to praise and thank God for all that God had done for him. He begins a long list of blessings that he received by naming God’s forgiveness, healings, redemption, steadfast love, and mercy. Remembering to praise and thank God for blessings that we have received, improves our attitude in our current circumstances and encourages our faith to move forward.

Inherited Traits

It may be rewarding or frustrating to observe the personal traits that we have passed onto our children and grandchildren. We blessed when we see them acting in faith and righteousness. But we may be embarrassed when we observe them acting in the same anger that we display at times.

II Timothy 1:5-6 says, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” If we have been blessed by God, giving us parents who passed on to us the good things that they received from God, then we should ensure that these blessings are magnified and paid forward to others.

Study for Life

To learn more about a subject or to more proficient in a task, we know that we must study and work at our goals. And yet, there are many areas of life that we don’t exercise these types of efforts. Even more is lack of effort into knowing God and experiencing the life He designed for us.

Ezra 7:9-10 says, “for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” When our hearts are set on Jesus Christ and God’s Word, then the good hand of our gracious God will bless us and bear fruit for God in the lives of others. Let us, therefore, seek wholeheartedly to study God’s Word, to do what God teaches us, and to teach others also.