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There’s a big difference between being intelligent and being wise. Those with a strong intellect can often find creative solutions to major problems. But they may do so at the expense of financial or relational wisdom with others.
In Ephesians 5:1-21, the Apostle Paul contrasts some differences between living in wisdom and living in foolishness. A person who lives in wisdom makes the most of every opportunity (5:16), is filled with the Holy Spirit (5:18) and gives thanks for everything to God the Father (5:20). But one who lives foolishly engages in drunkenness (5:18), sexual immorality, impurity, greed, foolish talk (5:3-4) and/or other foolish patterns.
Some may read through passages such as these and form of list of good behaviors and bad behaviors. But Paul isn’t simply highlighting behaviors. He’s focusing on what it looks like to be in Christ, living a self-sacrificial life. A life full of love, light, and wisdom. A life lived in this way is a life full of singing, making music, giving thanks, and submitting to one another (5:19-21). A live lived in this way is a life well-lived.
READING & PRAYERS:
What do you need to do today so that when your head hits the pillow tonight you will feel like today was a day well-lived?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the Psalms and Proverbs are a wonderful reminder that sometimes Your people experience severe life challenges, anxiety, sadness, and depression. Yet despite these circumstances they remained faithful to You, a sure sign of wisdom. Continue to provide me with the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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