Ephesians 5:15-16
“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.”
In order to redeem the time—in order to live and work effectively—we must “look carefully” and exercise wisdom. We must have situational awareness. It may sound simple and easy, but it isn’t. We don’t always see things clearly, and as a result we don’t always respond effectively.
The essential discipline we must build into our lives is the ability to Press Pause, observe, and exercise wisdom before we respond to situations.
There is a companion passage in the book of Jeremiah that provides helpful and practical insight into why and how to Press Pause and look carefully.
“Thus says the Lord: Stop at the crossroads and look around you. Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it. You will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6.16)
This passage from the prophet Jeremiah is a commentary on how to be intentional and wise in response to the situations of life and work. Jeremiah gives four four practical steps for responding with wisdom:
- Stop
- Look
- Ask
- Walk
There is an enormous need in our time for the Body of Christ to practice these disciplines. Now more than ever, we need to “look carefully how we walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Tomorrow we will consider what it means to stop and think when we come to a decision point.
