Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:11-21
Good advice for these days. The blindness to evil is currently very pervasive in this country and culture. How can we wake up the sleepers? By shining God’s light on the situation and exposing those ‘works of darkness’. But that Light MUST come from within you — trying to utilize someone else’s light will not work.. for you will be exposed as a hypocrite. How do we best set ourselves up for the Light to grow within us?
“…be filled with the Spirit… giving thanks for everything… to God…” This is to be done at all times, especially during the times of duress, pain, and suffering. What is the fruit of patience grown by the Holy Spirit within you? It is the ability to suffer long for wrongs that you were not responsible for, and maintain a glad heart while going through it. What do you value and hope for? Do you seek His heavenly kingdom? Do you work to live in and establish His Kingdom atmosphere here and now? If you don’t know about and experienced His heavenly kingdom — how will you establish it here and now on earth? For His kingdom can ONLY be experienced by spirit. Are you aware of the spiritual realm around you? Do you have His spiritual discernment? Are you discovering more aspects of Jesus everyday — by your constant interaction with Him?
Are you more apt to react out of your old fleshly nature or respond by the instruction and direction of the Spirit of God? How much of your life is Spirit-led? Is the Holy Spirit teaching you – one on one? Do you require someone else to teach you — because you have tuned the Spirit out in your life?
Remember what the above scripture said?
“…making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Walk carefully. Walk in the Light. Walk in the Spirit.