Living Wisely in Evil Days

Ephesians 5:15-21
 
In a world that seems to grow darker by the day, how can we as believers navigate the challenges and live lives that honor God? This question weighs heavily on many hearts as we witness moral decay and spiritual apathy spreading through our society. Yet even in these troubling times, we are not left without guidance. The Bible offers profound wisdom on walking circumspectly and making the most of every opportunity in an increasingly hostile culture.

The Darkness Around Us

It's impossible to ignore the shifting moral landscape. A mere 60 years ago, 65% of Americans believed the Bible to be the Word of God. Today, that number has plummeted to just 32%. The concept of absolute truth has been largely abandoned, with 70% of Americans rejecting moral absolutes. Behaviors once considered taboo are now celebrated openly. As disheartening as this may be, we shouldn't be surprised. Scripture warns us that "in the last days perilous times shall come."

However, there's a silver lining to this encroaching darkness. As Dr. Adrian Rogers wisely noted, "It's getting gloriously dark." The darker it gets, the closer we are to Christ's return. But how do we live faithfully in the meantime?

Walking in Wisdom

The apostle Paul offers crucial advice: "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). This passage provides a roadmap for godly living in ungodly times. Let's break it down:

1. Be Careful with God's Time

Time is a precious, irreplaceable gift from God. Each day is unique, and once it passes, we can never get it back. Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). We must learn to use our time wisely, understanding that we have a limited number of days to make an impact for God's kingdom.

This doesn't mean we should live in constant anxiety about wasting time. Rather, we should cultivate an awareness of divine appointments – those strategic opportunities God places in our path. When we're attuned to His leading, we can seize these moments to share His love, encourage others, or further His purposes.

2. Be Committed to God's Will

Understanding and following God's will is crucial for living wisely. But what exactly is "God's will"? We can think of it in three categories:

- God's sovereign will: This is always accomplished and beyond our control.
- God's standard will: Revealed in Scripture through commands and principles.
- God's special will: His unique plan for each individual's life.

While God's sovereign will unfolds regardless of our actions, and His standard will is clearly laid out in the Bible, discerning His special will for our lives requires wisdom and spiritual sensitivity. How can we know God's specific will? Through:

- Studying His Word
- Recognizing His providence (open and closed doors)
- Listening for the peace of God in our hearts
- Being led by the Holy Spirit
- Seeking godly counsel

Ultimately, the key to knowing God's will is being willing to do it. When we surrender ourselves fully to Him, saying, "Lord, whatever you want me to do, I'll do it," we position ourselves to receive His guidance.

3. Be Controlled by God's Spirit

Paul contrasts two ways of living: "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). This isn't just a warning against drunkenness; it's an exhortation to live under the Spirit's control.

In the ancient world, some pagan religions used drunkenness as a means of supposedly connecting with their gods. Followers would work themselves into frenzied, intoxicated states, believing this led to spiritual enlightenment. Paul firmly rejects this notion, instructing believers instead to be "filled with the Spirit."

Being Spirit-filled doesn't mean losing control; it means coming under God's control. It's not a one-time event but a continual process of yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit's influence. This command is for all believers, not just leaders or those in ministry.

How can we recognize a Spirit-filled life? Paul outlines three key characteristics:

- Joy: An inner wellspring of gladness that naturally overflows in praise and worship.
- Thankfulness: A grateful heart that acknowledges God's blessings in all circumstances.
- Submission: A willingness to put others first and yield to God-ordained authority.

Living Out Our Calling

As we navigate these challenging days, remember that God hasn't called us to hide away in fear. He wants us to be "children of light" in a dark world. We're to walk wisely, make the most of our time, seek His will, and live under the Spirit's control.

This isn't something we can accomplish through sheer willpower. It requires daily surrender and dependence on God's grace. As we yield ourselves to Him, He empowers us to live in a way that brings glory to His name and draws others to the hope we have in Christ.

In practical terms, this might mean:

- Intentionally looking for opportunities to share God's love with others
- Being more discerning about how we use our time and resources
- Regularly examining our hearts and asking God to reveal any areas not aligned with His will
- Starting each day by consciously yielding control to the Holy Spirit

Remember, no matter how dark the world becomes, we serve a God who is greater than any challenge we face. As we walk in wisdom and stay connected to Him, we can be confident that He will use us to make a difference in our spheres of influence.

Let's commit ourselves afresh to living wisely in these evil days. May our lives shine brightly with the love and truth of Christ, offering hope to a world desperately in need of His light.