Be Careful How You Walk

by Stephen Harper

The word of God is said to be profitable for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction” and for “instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). The same God who gave us these inspired Scriptures has also “given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). In other words, God has given us what we need to know to obtain eternal life and what we need to know to live a godly life. He did not leave us to our own inventions and surmisings about what is right in His sight, but has given us the instructions by which, when we read and obey, we may also be truly called wise. In fact, the apostle Paul has instructed us, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15 NASV). It is, in fact, demanded of disciples to walk as wise men – it is not an option. That being so, wouldn't you like to be called “wise” by God? Wouldn't it be beneficial to study His revealed word to know what we must then do to be so called? Let's take a look…

Depart From Evil. (Proverbs 14:16) The wise writer said, “A wise man fears and departs from evil.” To be called wise by God (not necessarily men), it is required of the disciples of Jesus Christ to depart from evil – to forever leave it behind. The apostle Paul echoed this need when he told Timothy, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Timothy 1:19). He commanded the same to the Colossians (3:5) and Ephesians (4:22), and appealed to the Roman brethren's conversion as a matter of having “crucified” the old man with Christ (6:6) and commanded them to “not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (verse 12). When we do this, we are found wise, but to continue in sinful behavior and not depart from evil is foolish, indeed! Could we reasonably expect that God would welcome us into the eternal home of heaven with saints of all time if we have walked in darkness and refused to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts” while we simultaneously refuse to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age”? Such an idea is foolish, to say the least!

Avoid Addictive Substances. (Proverbs 20:1) Again, the wise writer tells us, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” This is the same substance that is later described as that which “bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper” (Proverbs 23:32). Imagine! This substance, of which many like to imbibe and which even some of my own brethren proclaim is acceptable to indulge in small amounts, is likened to a viper – a highly poisonous and very deadly serpent. Would you encourage your friend (or even allow him) to play with a deadly creature such as this? Why would we then put our souls in danger with these addictive substances? Such is not wise! Knowing that partaking of such a substance takes away a measure of our self-control and dignity, why would we even approach it? Again, the wise writer said, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Let us not be foolish and indulge in those things that destroy our influence on others, cloud our judgment, and endanger our souls. Such would be foolish!

Measure With The Right Standard. (II Corinthians 10:12) The apostle Paul was not one who was known for “tooting his own horn” (as we say in this part of the country), but had to defend himself against those who falsely claimed to be apostles even as they tried to say he was not a “true” apostle. These men, in an effort to promote themselves, lacked one important thing: the approval of God! Knowing they lacked the proof of their claim to be apostles, the best they could do was to indulge in what I call “commendation reciprocation” – they were “measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves.” What foolishness! That reminds me of the old joke where a stranger comes into a small general store and tries to write a check. The owner refuses because he doesn't know the man and is unwilling to accept the check. The stranger then pulls his friend next to him and introduces him as his old friend, Bill. Bill introduces the stranger to the owner as “Joe.” Joe (the stranger who tried to write the check) then says to the owner, “Now you know me. Now will you take my check?”

The only worthwhile standard by which we should be comparing ourselves is Jesus Christ. He alone stands as the pattern for us to follow (I Peter 2:21-23). Only when we do this will we see ourselves in the true light and not think too highly of ourselves. When we start comparing ourselves among ourselves, we will not have the proper attitude (Philippians 2:3-4), and some will be tempted to elevate themselves above others they think as less worthy (cf. Luke 18:10-14). Such is not wise!

Hear And Do The Words Of Jesus. (Matthew 7:24-27) It is certainly admirable to want to hear the words of Jesus Christ but, friend, that is not enough. To hear and not do is only deceiving yourself (James 1:22-25)! We find some in the Old Testament demanded to hear God's word and openly proclaimed they wanted to know what to do (Jeremiah 42:2-3), but when the answer came, they accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely (43:2) and they would not obey (43:4). Why? Because they were hypocrites in their hearts (42:20). They never really wanted to do the will of the Lord, but were seeking God's approval of what they had already intended. They heard, but they did not do.

I wish I could say there were not any more people with such hearts, but I have seen it far too often. I have had people study God's word with me, only to stop when it said something they did not like. I have heard preachers change their positions on the subject of marriage, divorce, and remarriage when one of their children or close friends were adversely affected. Sad to say, they all heard the words of Jesus, but did not do them. Such is nothing more than building on sand – foolishness!

Prepare. (Matthew 25:1-13) In this parable, Jesus speaks of five wise virgins and five foolish, and we should note that they are differentiated by the single matter of whether or not they had properly prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. It was not that five did not have opportunity and the other five did; it was not that five did not know and the other five did; and, it was not that five could not prepare while the other five could. The simple difference was that five prepared for the time that would come, not knowing exactly when that would be. The lesson for us should not be lost: we must prepare for the coming of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. No one knows the day He is coming, so it will be at a time unexpected (I Thessalonians 5:2). We can be ready for that day (cf. Philippians 1:23). Are you? To put it off until “a convenient season” is foolish! It would be wise to prepare for that day!

Win Souls. (Proverbs 11:30) A dear old friend once told me the hardest thing for a Christian to do is to go to heaven alone. He was right! I cannot comprehend one believing the great promises and the strong warnings of God and not telling others about them! Do you believe in heaven – really believe? Have you told others about it? Do you believe in God's promised eternal punishment for the disobedient – really? Have you warned others about it? The servant of the Lord must teach (II Timothy 2:24-26) that others might be saved. Souls are at stake, so act wisely!

Be careful how you walk!