As I was pulling into our driveway after evening services the phone rang. It was Douwene asking me to pick up something on my way home from a store close to the church building. Has this ever happened to you?
It is at this point that you are either a “grumbling argumentative meanie” (Phil.2:14) or a Christian superhero who walks in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love … eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, — Eph.4:1-3).
Paul focuses in on this through a series of dos and don’ts in Ephesians 5:15–18. “15 Look carefully then how you walk, NOT as unwise BUT as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do NOT be foolish, BUT understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do NOT get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, BUT be filled with the Spirit” (ESV).
What Paul is teaching us here is how to develop our critical thinking skills. To become even better at making wise choices here are some practical suggestions: Become aware of the consequences of each path by asking questions. This will help develop foresight and evaluate existing evidence. With this information analyze, infer, and communicate your conclusions with God as together you problem solve.
Friend, be aware that Jesus will always be happy with you if you choose life and not death (James 4:17; Josh.24:15; Dt.30:15).
(Cf. http://scientificamerican.com/…/why-do-smart-people-do…).
