Pay Attention to How You’re Living, Part 1

Scripture — Ephesians 5:15-16 (NRSV)

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Devotion

In the last days of each year, I find several passages of Scripture to be especially relevant and incisive. Often, for example, I reflect on Psalm 90 with its timely prayer, “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” Another passage I frequently turn to as the year is about to change is Ephesians 5:15-16. I’d like to reflect with you on this passage today and tomorrow as well.

Verse 15 begins with “Be careful then how you live” (5:15). The Greek reads more literally, “Watch carefully, then, how you walk.” In Scripture, walking is often used as a metaphor for living. We might say it’s about adopting a certain lifestyle. Paul urges us to do this thoughtfully. It can be easy to just go with the flow, to live in the same way as those around us without paying attention to whether we are living in a meaningful, Christ-like, God-glorifying way in every part of life. Ephesians jolts us out of our lethargy, saying: “Wake up! Pay attention! Look at your life!” In this regard, Paul agrees with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Or, to put it more positively, examine your life so it will be worth living!

Verse 15 continues, “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise.” Wisdom, of course, isn’t just having lots of knowledge. Rather, as Dictionary.com puts it, wisdom is “the ability . . . to think and act utilizing knowledge.” Merriam-Webster defines wisdom as the “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.” We who know God through Christ have access to eternal, heavenly wisdom both because it’s revealed in Scripture and because Jesus is the actual embodiment of God’s wisdom. The more we learn from and grow in our relationship with Jesus, the more we will become wise.

So, verse 15 gives us guidance on how to live each day. It says: Pay attention to how you’re living. Be wise. Or, as The Message puts it, “So watch your step. Use your head.” Notice that living well isn’t simply a matter of actions and feelings. It’s not impulsive. Rather, you’ve got to use your head. Living well requires thoughtfulness and God-inspired insight based on the Word of God in Scripture and in flesh.

I would suggest that the end of the year is a good time to put Ephesians 5:15 into practice. Though you’re probably busy with end-of-year responsibilities and New Year celebrations, why not set aside a half-hour for reflection and prayer? Think about how you’ve lived during the past year. What has gone well? What has gone not so well? How are you doing when it comes to work, friendship, family, church, and faith? Are there sins you need to confess? Are there gifts of God for which you need to express gratitude? Do you need God’s help to live with greater wholeness in 2025? Will you talk to God about these things?

If you develop the practice of paying attention to how you’re living, you’ll be on the road to living “not as unwise people, but as wise.”

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: What Helps You Pay Attention to How You’re Living? Part 5.