DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AVOIDING MUDHOLES

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – AVOIDING MUDHOLES

"Therefore, do not be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17)

The goal of the Christian is to live according to the will of the Lord. God has revealed in His Word how we ought to live.

As has been mentioned before, the word "therefore" is important because it tells us what the verse is there for. Here it relates back to verse 15 which says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools by as wise." The fool does not care how he lives his life, as long as he pleases himself. The wise person lives according to God's will and design.

The phrase, "walk circumspectly," in the Greek, basically means to live diligently. The English word combines two words – circum – around, and spect – to look or see. So the wise person is diligently watching, looking around, to make sure that he or she is walking on the right path, careful not to stumble over rocks or fall into holes. That requires keeping our eyes alert to our circumstances. As one of my students put it, the wise person steps around mudholes so he doesn't get his clothes dirty.

God calls us to be vigilant and diligent in our journey with God to walk according to His will. The wise person understands what pleases God and orders his or her life to conform to God's will.

It is the fool who walks blithely through life with no concern about where their steps lead.

So, watch where you walk lest you step into a mudhole.

Love, Dad