The Walk of Wisdom

(#895, Imperial, 1960)

Read Ephesians 5:15-21.

Gustav Dore the famous artist lost his passport while traveling in Europe.  He was at a certain boundary and the officer asked him for the passport.  Dore fumbled about and finally announced, "I have lost my passport, but it is all right.  I am Dore the artist, please let me go in."  The officer replied, "Oh no, we have plenty of people representing themselves as this or that great person.  Here is a pencil and paper.  If you are Dore the artist, prove it by drawing me a picture."  He drew some pictures.  "Now," the officer said, "I know that you are Dore the artist, for no one can draw like that."  He was then allowed to enter the country.

4 people were discussing Bible translations.  One person said, "I like my mother's translation best.  She translated it into life and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."

The Christian's conduct offers the most powerful testimony that we can give.  Consider that conduct:

ƒ      In relation to the outside world, vs. 15-16.

w    Walk circumspectly.  This means to walk carefully, noting the small details.  It means to walk wisely, not as fools.  It is the walk of Enoch who "walked with God".

w    Redeeming the time.  Time is of high value, a gift of God, and unrecoverable.  Since the days are evil we must guard against frivolous waste of thoughts, sacrifice and effort.

ƒ      In relation to himself, vs. 17-18.

w    Know and understand the will of God.  God's will (what God wants in a given situation) can be know by the believer.  Knowing it he must then yield to that will.

w    Be filled with the Spirit.  Our outward walk is governed by the Spirit.  As He fills us He produces His fruit and power.

ƒ      In relation to other believers, vs. 19-21.

w    Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs.  This has to do with building each other up in the fellowship.

w    Giving thanks.  Always.  For all things.

w    Submitting to one another.  This involves the meekness and humility of Eph. 4:1-3 and produces unity in the body.  It is to be done in the "fear of Christ" or out of reverence for Christ.

You say you are a Christian; does your life prove it?