Walking in the light (truth) is not an easy thing, so Paul gives them further insight on how a Christlike lifestyle can be accomplished. First, Paul commands them to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise….” What does it mean to “walk circumspectly”? This phrase carries the idea of carefully and wisely making moral choices with your lifestyle. Paul also asks his readers to “redeem the time because the days are evil” which ultimately means to use the time given to them for the purposes of God instead of selfishly wasting time on insignificant things. When Paul says that the “days are evil” he is warning people that they do not have time to waste because Satan and the world are working hard to destroy lives. Third, Paul wants believers to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” God’s will (purposes for our life) is not some mystical game of hide and seek, but everything He expects from us is revealed in His word. Understanding God’s will takes self-discipline and much time spent in the Bible. Lastly, Paul commands his readers to “be filled with the Spirit….” Understanding the filling of the Spirit must be read in context with the first part of verse 18: “do not be drunk with wine….” Drunkenness is when alcohol has complete control over your actions and Paul is making a comparison here by saying that we should not be under control of wine, but under the control of the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is an issue of control and we must daily give control of our life over to God for His use. How do we know if we are filled with the Spirit? Paul gives three ways the Spirit evidences Himself: singing (5:19), thankfulness (5:20), and submission (5:21). Each day we should be filled with the Spirit and give Him complete control over all our attitudes and actions.
Dear God, fill me with Your Spirit today and may You produce in me singing, thankfulness, and submission!
