In Ephesians 5:15-16 the apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” It is an interesting passage, expressing the need to live our lives as God directs, and expressing the motivation for our discipleship. Consider the following:
The word circumspectly is not one used often by English speakers. It translates from the Greek akrib?s (to live carefully, circumspectly, deviating in no respect from the law of duty, Thayer). It is amazing how many scriptures directly oppose the idea that Christians are free to express themselves in “whatever way makes them comfortable.” That is simply not so! It is not about using religion to make yourself happy, it is about serving God in such a way as to please Him! According to scripture, there are duties, obligations, requirements for discipleship. Paul is exhorting the Ephesians to obey them carefully and exactly. That is what is intended by the word circumspectly. “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). And, to anyone who says that this passage is not a requirement, rather a suggestion, consider the full context of Matthew 7. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (22-23). It is constantly amazes me that any professing disciple of Jesus would make the claim that faith alone is enough to please the Lord. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?… Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14,17).
Now the motivation for the circumspect walk: “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (5:16). To redeem the time means — (to make a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, Thayer). It is a use of the primary meaning of the term, (to rescue from loss, Strong). In other words, you are wasting your time if you are not living dutifully for Jesus. “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
This is especially necessary in light of the world’s descent into evil. It was evil when Paul wrote the passage, and it is evil today. Our walk of discipleship should be characterized by the same type of behavior as our Lord! “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35 ).
Christ was righteous. His life serves as an example for us to follow! (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-25). Carpe Diem!
