Ephesians 5:14-17
Since light makes everything visible, Paul commanded the Ephesian believers, saying, “you who are sleeping, wake up and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (v.14). Sometimes believers fall into a spiritual sleep and may feel as if they have lost connection with the Lord; a re- connection requires a wake-up call to get them up out of the unfruitful state of darkness and return to the promise that Christ will give them light.
Paul said, “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (v.15), “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (v.16). Children of light are encouraged to live purposefully in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Don’t live recklessly as fools; “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside” (Col. 4:5) the household of faith. Use the time God gave you today, making the most of every opportunity to stand firm against the challenges of spiritual battles and evil forces.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (v.17). He wills that His children walk in wisdom, knowing that “the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (v.9). The enduring hymn “Amazing Grace,” has a line that says, “I once was blind, but now I see.” Metaphorically, you wander around spiritually blind outside God’s ark of safety unable to see your way. But when you come to your senses as children of light, you should live wisely according to the will of God.