Kevin Wilson 360

Our Scripture meditation is based on Ephesians 5:15–17, from the Epistle reading for next week.

[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. 

Since you are reading these Scriptural meditations, you are likely a baptized child of God. You have received God‘s grace, appreciated God‘s grace, and live in God‘s grace. If so, there is a risk you would rather quickly read through the above Scripture passage. 

That’s exactly what I did. It’s also why, upon a second reading, I decided to write this week’s meditation on this text. 

Many of us have lived in our baptismal covenant for decades and decades. God has had decades and decades to conform us to his will. But does longevity in the faith guarantee that we walk “as wise and not unwise”? No, it does not ensure we fully understand God’s will.  

The fact is our understanding of the will of God can dimmish as the years pass. We memorized the Ten Commandments and meanings years ago. Today we still have knowledge of the commandments, but is our comprehension as crystal clear as it was earlier in life? It’s likely our understanding of God’s will has become fuzzy. 

As time passes there is also a risk that we start to confuse our will with God’s will. From time to time a member of an Ohio District church will ask me to clarify whether certain worship practices are required by God. For example, is it God’s will that we stand when the Gospel is read in worship services? (While a time-honored practice, God does not require we stand.) The conversation gets heavier when it comes to strong personal convictions about the 3^rd Commandment or 8^th Commandment that may or may not be aligned with God’s will. 

All praise be to God for providing us with knowledge of his will at our fingertips. At any time, we can study Exodus chapter 20 and review the Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small Catechism. Joining a group Bible study allows us to discuss and process God’s will in real-life contexts. If your church does not have a group Bible study, there are a number of LCMS Bible studies held on-line. 

If you have felt a twinge of guilt reading this meditation, remember that have received God’s grace, appreciated God’s grace, and live in God’s grace. This, too, is God’s will.