There are things in life that are clearly right or wrong, but many times we wrestle with disputable matters. In deciding what to do, therefore, we can seek the wisdom found in Scripture, discern for ourselves and “understand what the Lord’s will is”. In this way, we will be able to make wise decisions even when we wrestle with what might be disputable or when it is difficult to tell right from wrong.
Understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:17)
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 5:15–17
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
When I was ten, I brought home a cassette tape from a friend at youth group that contained the music of a contemporary Christian band. My dad, who had been raised in a Hindu home but had received salvation in Jesus, didn’t approve. He only wanted worship music played in our home. I explained it was a Christian band, but that didn’t change his mind. After a while, he suggested that I listen to the songs for a week and then decide if they brought me closer to God or pushed me further away from Him. There was some helpful wisdom in that advice.
There are things in life that are clearly right or wrong, but many times we wrestle with disputable matters (Romans 14:1–19). In deciding what to do, we can seek the wisdom found in Scripture. Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). Like a good parent, Paul knew that he couldn’t possibly be there or give instructions for every situation. If they were going to “[make] the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil,” they were going to have to discern for themselves and “understand what the Lord’s will is” (vv. 16–17). A life of wisdom is an invitation to pursue discernment and good decisions as God guides us even when we wrestle with what might be disputable.
Today’s Hymns:
Thy Word
Keep Me In Your Will
Scripture to Respond:
Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Romans 2:18
If you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law.
Reflection:
How can you determine what will be wise or foolish as you make decisions? How can you seek God’s guidance?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, cultivate a heart of wisdom in me. Enable me to live my life in a way that will always draw me closer to You.
Wong Wai Tung
(Chief Executive Officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation)
