Living in God’s Will
In Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT), we are reminded, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” This passage serves as a call to live intentionally, seeking God’s will in every thought, action, and decision.
But what does it mean to live wisely and understand what the Lord’s will is? How do we practically apply this instruction in our daily lives?
Find Out What Pleases the Lord
To live wisely is to align our actions with what pleases God. This means taking the time to seek His will and ask ourselves if what we are doing brings glory to Him. As believers, we are encouraged to “take every thought captive” and bring them to the feet of Jesus. We should ask, “Does this thought or action align with God’s will? Does it lead me toward Him or away from Him?” If it does not, it’s time to let it go.
Seek God’s Will
How can we know God’s will? Jesus gives us a clear answer in Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT): “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” This powerful truth reminds us that God’s will is revealed through persistent prayer, seeking, and asking.
The key is consistency—continuing to seek Him daily, in every situation. We must remain open to His guidance and promptings, knowing that as we seek, He will reveal the next step.
Maximize God’s Purpose in Every Decision
To “make the most of every opportunity” means to consider God’s purpose in every moment and decision we face. It’s about integrating His will into our everyday thoughts and actions. As a visual reminder, think of your life’s trajectory as a choice between two paths: wisdom or foolishness.
In the diagram, wisdom leads to eternal life and fellowship with God, while foolishness leads to separation from Him. Every decision we make either brings us closer to wisdom (and ultimately to Heaven) or leads us down the path of foolishness (and away from God).
How Can I Apply This Today?
The question we should ask ourselves each day is, “How can I apply God’s will in my life today?” Whether it’s in how we interact with others, how we spend our time, or how we prioritize our responsibilities, every moment offers an opportunity to grow in wisdom and align ourselves more closely with God’s purpose.
A Prayer for Wisdom
God, direct my thoughts to you. Show me your will. Help me prune my actions that don’t lead to maximum growth in wisdom.