WALKING – FILLING. Ephesians 5:15-21 The first half of Ephesians explains the nature of the church, the body of Christ, and emphasizes that God has blessed His people far beyond our greatest hopes and dreams. The implication of this is that believers are called to be united in their commitment to the Lord by using their God-given gifts. The moral standards are high for individuals and families, and these can only be upheld when there is love toward one another and mutual submission to both God and His children.
The previous verses highlight the contrast between light and darkness, while these verses focus on the difference between wisdom and foolishness. Walking circumspectly means living thoughtfully, accurately, and carefully. This involves making wise decisions, living intentionally, and using our time wisely. When we do so, we will be fulfilling God's will, and our lives will be effective.
In our Christian life, we are either moving forward or backward. There is no middle ground like people who are asleep. So, not only are we to "walk as children of light," but also to "walk circumspectly." The word "circumspectly" comes from "circumference," as in a circle. This means we should be aware of our surroundings, understanding that everything we do has an effect. My walk as a Christian should be accurate and intentional, aligned with God's will revealed in His Word. I should not leave things to chance but instead plan carefully and know the goals I aim to reach. An achievable goal helps me set a course in my life that includes my responsibilities and obligations. When unexpected events happen, I will have already established guidelines to make decisions that impact myself and others.
When we apply good judgment, we will "redeem the time” by recognizing opportunities to serve our Lord. Lost opportunities and lost time will never return; they are permanently gone. We should make the most of the present moment for maximum benefit. Those who take the time to learn what the Holy Spirit teaches through the word of God are ready to be filled with the Spirit for worship and service.
The value of time often seems to be lost on many, as they say there isn't enough time in a day to accomplish what they want. If that's true, then their goals may be unrealistic or they are doing unnecessary things. God does not burden us with tasks we cannot complete. By taking advantage of every opportunity, we are "redeeming the time." This means making the best use of our time because the opportunities we have now might be taken away by the evil times we live in. To seize opportunities means avoiding wasting time on things that don't matter. An opportunity is like heading toward a port or harbor at the end of our journey. The wise person takes time to think things through to the obvious conclusion: "If I do this, how will it affect my obligations? How will it impact those around me if I don't do that?"
When we use our minds wisely by bringing every thought into obedience to Christ, we can understand what God's will is. More than that, we will grasp the reasons behind these things. God has a plan for us, but He does not reveal the whole plan all at once. He expects us to take the step before us in faith, and then the next step becomes clear. Some things go well together. Gratitude and grace blend nicely when there is a thankful heart for what has been revealed and done. Then, grace is given to the trusting heart to move forward. Thinking and thankfulness are also good partners. A thoughtful mind will not panic when someone is unaware of certain life events.
Since we have previously experienced God's presence and expressed thanks for His provision and blessings, we can wisely think about what lies ahead despite the evil times we live in. Too many people become afraid and frustrated when things don't go their way. They turn to the wrong place for the wrong reasons and grasp the wrong things. Careful actions and foolish ones do not mix.
All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but being filled with the Spirit is different. It is a command for us to obey rather than an option or suggestion. We do not need to ask for this; rather, we must obey His will and respond to what He reveals to us through His word. The Spirit of God then fills us and empowers us to do what our Lord desires. The influence of alcohol in a believer's body leads to a loss of control over the mind, speech, and body. In contrast, the filling of the Spirit results in self-control, joy in submitting to God's will, and believers' submission to one another.
The excessive consumption of wine can lead to abuse when it breaks the bonds our conscience enforces. The moral order is at risk when someone turns to another substance to cope with unexpected problems. Warnings were given to the believers in Ephesus about impurity and its impact on God's people. Now, a warning is issued against overindulgence. The risks associated with losing control due to too much wine are evident in public behavior, church life, family relationships, and marriages. When consumed in excess, wine can cause lying to hide things we don't want others to know. It may also lead to becoming a hard-hearted person who is unaware of others' needs because it shifts focus to oneself.
Those we love most are often hurt when alcohol is consumed in excess and the bonds of conscience are broken. The tongue of a drunk person is often loosened to the point that not only are lies spoken, but all kinds of evil speech emerge, from railing to cursing. Being "drunk with wine" is an uncontrolled excess that originates from hell. The filling of the Spirit is the peaceful, spiritual overflow that comes from heaven and helps us do God's will.
The issue with drinking wine in Bible times wasn't the same as it is today. Back then, the beverage was available to them much like fruit juice is to us, although today we usually drink coffee and tea as the more popular options. The warning here is about social drinking, which can lead people to say and do things they normally wouldn't because they are under the influence of "spirits." That's why scripture contains many warnings against it. Reasons to avoid social drinking include that it can lead to excess, quickly become habit-forming, offend another believer's conscience, and potentially harm one's testimony as a Christian. When in doubt about something, it's best not to do it.
The filling of the Spirit and excessive drinking share some similarities. Both originate from a power outside our own nature. Both influence our speech and produce songs that come from another controlling power. The passion from both exceeds what is typical for us. One is the quiet, effective passion that leads a person to serve God and others with grace and wisdom. The other is loud, boisterous, and often aggressive. The fullness of the Spirit does not undo self-control but pertains to things that promote a good life and a godly home. This filling is important for serving God, personal growth, family life, and business dealings. We can motivate ourselves as well as others when we are filled with the Spirit.
The walk and talk of a believer filled with the Spirit will distinguish them from those controlled by their own will or the powers of darkness, which take advantage of those whose minds are influenced by strong drink and enemies of the soul. It is God’s desire that we be filled with the Spirit and continue to be filled. When a child is filled with the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be visible.
Many ways are seen in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that come from meditating on the scriptures of truth. When we do this, we serve others, open our hearts fully to the Lord in praise, and worship the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The singing of those filled with the Spirit is both heartfelt internally and externally expressed through words set to melody, reflecting a joy that comes from God. This is not "worship music" but worship filled with music offered to the Lord when the Spirit is present. When voices join in praise, it is beautiful to hear them blend by singing the same note at the same time. The same words, if sung as a chant, can be hard to understand because of the different tones. That’s why we sing together with the instrument God gave us—our voice. Thankfulness and holiness are linked among God's people. There is a natural loyalty rooted in love that does not feel forced. An attitude of joy and thankfulness toward God encourages believers.
That gratitude to God for everything in the name of the Lord distinguishes those who are filled with the Spirit. They do not whine or complain but instead express appreciation for God's presence through all of life's difficulties, even amid pain that may accompany normal living. When we submit ourselves to others with thankfulness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will find it easier to show loyalty to one another. This will lead us to help, love, and bless others in whatever way we can. To submit to one another out of reverence for Christ means stepping back from our rights to ensure that our brothers and sisters' rights are met. This is what "walking circumspectly" is like.
As we submit to fellow believers in the fear of God, our concern for them will be clear. We will not isolate ourselves from other believers but will desire to have a joyful relationship with them. God provides the necessary grace to avoid disharmony among believers as we seek common ground to share our faith with them. Our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forms the foundation of our relationship with His children, whoever they may be.
Like the clarity of a ringing bell, the message is revealed to me and others like me, who wait quietly, sitting still, unmoving, until deep within, we hear the wisdom that God provides. It is not shrill but is loud enough to be heard by all who care, pray, and wait until together, we sound across the universe – “This is God’s will!” WALK IN UNITY!
Around us, on every side, there are tensions and strong temptations; “Everyone does it this way; if everyone does it like this, it can’t be wrong.” So there with craft, and here beside me, with subtle words that sound like a song, there comes the noise, the sight, the music, the sound of a great marching throng. It is attractive because there are so many, but it is not right. So, let us be committed to our Lord and His truth even if it is different from the majority, though years ahead will be long as we wait for God’s will to be done. WALK IN PURITY!
A new life begins with plans and purposes designed for me by God above. I am born again to live in a way that doesn’t always put me first. I am a child of His; I live, but like my Father and His Son, there is love inside for God, His people, and lost sinners. Love that originates from Him and shines within me, like light. The reason is love that flows from Him to me and back again – He gave His life for me on the cross. WALK IN LOVE!
That light shining amid the darkness was first ignited by divine light. That divine light reveals things around me that try to draw my attention with their appealing sight and sound. But illuminated by wisdom from above, which God placed in my soul—Him who conquered night—the unproductive works of darkness with their shame and chains become clear, showing the fate of anyone who follows that shameful path. I choose the path illuminated by truth so brightly and decide to WALK IN THE LIGHT!
Even on this path of righteousness and truth, along with many others in the family, there are reasons to ensure that each step is carefully and wisely taken. Our days are difficult, and humanity will never regain the natural righteousness that once came more easily. It is not without thought that I recognize there are ways I could live more easily but not more holily as time goes on. The temptation exists to settle back as old age nears and to superficially claim a certain status. I must be committed to WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY!
However, I am not alone in life; there are others here and many more Christian believers around the world. Each one is a traveler on this road of life I walk, and together, we step across this ground called Beulah toward the goal of joyful fellowship. Until then, my wife and I walk side by side. Hopefully, our children, grandchildren, and brothers and sisters in Christ will create the sound of joy and sweet harmony so that, along with those we work with, we consistently WALK IN HARMONY!
It is well known that those who once walked in God's ways, with wisdom from Him, made choices that were right and good and sound but fell prey to wiles from an implacable foe. The enemy is deep and dark – they fell to the ground, not lost, but defeated. The armor they were to wear seemed heavy, and their commitment to the Word was more than they wanted to bear. But NO, stand up, be faithful to the Lord! WALK IN VICTORY!