Living Wisely

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise…” Eph 5:15 (NIV)

Over the years I have experimented with different ways to enhance my daily intimacy with God. I have utilized the daily devotional by Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest” and also “Experiencing God Day by Day” written by Henry Blackaby. The most vital element in my spiritual development has been a consistent intake of God’s Word. Sometimes I commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs each day for an entire year. Thus, I read the book of Proverbs all the way through each month. That’s been an incredible adventure. The following verses are my favorite from the fourth chapter of Proverbs. When I think of living wisely, this passage immediately rises to the surface.

“Above all else, guard your heart,
     for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
     keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
     fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
     and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
     keep your foot from evil.” Prov 4:23-27 (NIV)

There are so many options for you to embrace in this world. Countless paths await your selection. Careless living will grant you unlimited choices that will never deliver what they promise. The writer of Proverbs under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit alerts us to the higher path of living wisely.

Would you be willing to spend a few moments reflecting on this passage from Proverbs and begin taking inventory of your life? Are you guarding your heart? Is your speech laced with purity? Is your vision focused on the way that brings honor to God? Are you taking paths that are pleasing to God? Do you consistently avoid evil?

Living wisely involves living circumspectly and proactively. How are you living?

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care