Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise.
Into the Text
There are days when I catch myself unknowingly going through the motions—doing what needs to be done, checking the boxes, answering the never-ending messages, and yet feeling a quiet nudge in my spirit: Am I really living with wisdom today?
Sometimes, it hits me in the most unexpected places—folding laundry, driving to the grocery store, or loading the dishwasher. It’s not that anything is wrong, but I can sense that I’ve slipped into autopilot. I’m present in body but not in heart. I’ve lost sight of why I’m doing what I’m doing.
That’s when Ephesians 5:15 gently meets me where I am: “Consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”
The Greek word for carefully in verse 15 means to live with precision, accuracy, and purpose. It’s not a warning to live in fear but a loving invitation to live awake—to stay alert to how we’re spending our time, energy, and days. Why? Because our days are precious. They are not limitless; they are limited…numbered, in fact. So I need to make each one count. And our enemy would love nothing more than to distract us into wasting them carelessly away.
Wisdom invites us to pause and ask, “God, how would You have me spend this day?” It helps us move from striving to abiding, from reactive to prayerful. It teaches us to say no—not out of guilt, but out of obedience. It frees us to give our best yes to the things God has truly assigned to us.
Sweet friend, your time and energy are not endless, but they are eternally significant when surrendered to God. You don’t have to do it all. You just need to walk with the One who already sees the whole picture. His wisdom will guide your direction, guard your pace, and align your life with His perfect will.
So today, slow down. Breathe. Surrender your calendar and your days to Him. Let His wisdom lead you into a life not of pressure but of greater purpose.