5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
If you have ever walked in the woods at night, you are fully aware of the importance of taking care where you place each step, as well as remaining fully aware of your surrounding. While the flashlight in your phone may provide some light, your natural instincts heighten your senses of sound and sight. This imagery provides a layer of understanding and application to Ephesians 5:15. Paul challenges us to “look carefully how you walk”.
The implication here is one of discernment in observations and careful accuracy in movement. Furthermore, he urges that we exercise wisdom with proper motivation; instead of walking foolishly. The interesting contrast in this verse is the strictness and discipline needed in walking, coupled with the comparison of foolishness. It is possible for us to exercise discipline and strict rules but still do so in foolishness.
Let’s look back to our imagery of walking in the woods at night to better understand. Keeping your eyes straight down on the ground with your flashlight illuminating the next step may ensure you don’t misstep; however, without taking a pause of your surroundings you could easily walk into danger. Remember, there are animals that can see you long before you see them.
As we navigate the path of life, it is critically important to establish rules and boundaries that serve as guard rails and deploy discernment in how we walk. Conversely, we must not be foolish and ignore our surroundings. A legalistic mindset can place borders so strictly that we cannot exercise grace in our quest for truth. It is wise to engage culture and be aware of how rapidly things are changing.
Understanding and making some sense of our world will allow us to show grace, in addition to wisely standing for truth.
Our ability to live a life of holiness and fulfill the Great Commission lies in the balance of discovering how to walk with discipline and discernment. The great joy is that we have the Light of the World with us to light our path and to help us avoid missteps and also to look out and see a world that is crying out for hope.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 5:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
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