People are often stunned by the consequences of their lives. They seem genuinely surprised that they are experiencing negative consequences as the result of unwise choices and decisions.

What happened? What did I do to deserve this? Each person is responsible for making his or her own decisions and choices. Was God involved? Did each person ask God to reveal His wisdom on a matter before he or she acted or spoke? Often the answer is “no”. The person chose to associate with people who were an influence for evil, not for good. Foolish choices tend to result in further foolish choices. The result is very costly. God has a better way.

1 – We must choose to pursue wisdom

God has given us personal freedom as a responsibility. It is for each of us to determine how we will walk through this life. Wisdom is not something a person stumbles into or acquires automatically. It must be sought out and pursued. Every person can become wise. This is not true for fame, fortune or education.

2 – We must seek God’s plan

The person who walks in wisdom is aware of the enemies in life – the world, the flesh and the devil. God’s promise is that those who love and search for wisdom will find it. See Proverbs 8:17 and Matthew 7:7-8. God’s plan affects us and those around us. The enemies of the soul see to enslave us. There are temptations that can ensnare us. The wise live with soberness and caution. Are we are saying “no” to anything that undermines the potential for receiving God’s blessings.

3 – We must take responsibility for applying wisdom to our lives

There is a responsibility for our actions and use of time. Time is short. We must spend this time in a way to produce the most good. We must also use our material resources for God’s purposes. God has given and can take away. No area of life is beyond the need for wisdom. We walk with God and we walk with other people. The primary relationship is with God. We need God’s wisdom about how to build relationships that are deep, lasting purposeful and godly.

Categories: Ephesians