Understand

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
UNDERSTAND
Eph 5:17
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
NIV
So here is that therefore, the next part of not living unwisely but rather wisely and making the most of every opportunity. I have to ask myself, every time I make some mistake by not being careful as to how I approach life, am I being foolish? Do I not understand what the Lord’s will is? Or do I understand and choose to ignore it? By making the wrong choice I certainly think I am foolish. But how do I not make those choices which are incorrect? Could I be as bold to say to myself every time I choose to please me, I choose wrong? I am being foolish when I choose me over him. I think perhaps a better word might have been stupid. I have to be more and more aware of him and less and less aware of me, except by doing that would I be more likely to not notice a wrong choice. I think I have to be aware of myself at all times, conscience of each moment, each choice, each subsequent action and or reaction appraising instantly whether I am being foolish or in accord with my understanding of his will. It is without question difficult to admit to myself I am being foolish in thinking, or acting in some certain way, but that is exactly what I am, foolish. Is being foolish the same as being disobedient? It has to be. Is that the same as sin? I have to believe it is. If I understand what the Lord’s will is and think or do anything in opposition to his will, it has to carry the label, ‘sin’, no matter how large or small it might be. I cannot escape that fact, yet knowing I may never be without sin and thus perfect, at least in this life is still not an excuse, but it is a reality. What I do in those moments as I recognize the error of my ways, my sin, has bearing on foolishness or understanding as well. If when have made the wrong choice I seek out my Lord for forgiveness with a repentant heart, I am in understanding his will. If, however, I simply go forward as though nothing has happened, deceiving myself, not be truthful with him, I am being foolish and have no understanding at all of his will. Lord, forgive me! I start again.