A Higher Calling: Walking Wisely in a World of Shadows

Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman

Have you ever done something and immediately thought, “That was not my brightest moment”? We’ve all been there. In the rush of life, it's easy to act without thinking, to walk carelessly without considering the consequences. But what if we were called to something more? What if every step we took was meant to be intentional, careful, and filled with divine purpose?

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul challenges us to a higher walk. After spending three chapters explaining our incredible identity in Christ, he pivots to the practical application: "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1). This isn't a walk of aimless wandering; it's a walk of wisdom, light, and power. As Pastor Steve reminded us, "This word ‘walk’ is how we conduct our lives". It's the daily, moment-by-moment journey of a disciple.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15-16

"Circumspectly" isn't a word we use every day. It comes from two Latin words meaning "to look around". It paints a picture of someone crossing a treacherous stream, carefully choosing each stepping stone, aware of the slippery rocks and hidden dangers . To walk circumspectly means "acting with caution and prudence, considering all the possible consequences before taking action".

This is the opposite of a foolish walk. In the Bible, a fool isn't someone who lacks intelligence; it's someone who "disregards truth and righteousness and walks carelessly". As believers, we are called to leave behind the "futility of [our] mind" (Ephesians 4:17) and embrace the wisdom that comes from God. This means we must constantly be asking ourselves:

• Will this please the Lord?
• Does this build me up in my faith?
• Will this encourage others?

This wise walk involves "redeeming the time," or as the Greek implies, buying up every opportunity for God's glory. In a world where "darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people" (Isaiah 60:2), our time is precious. The poet C. T. Stud captured this urgency perfectly:

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Living this way requires us to understand God’s will. And what is His will? It’s our sanctification—our ongoing purification. It's our growth—that we would "grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). And it’s our transformation—to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). As we pursue this general will of God, He faithfully reveals His specific path for our lives.

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...” — Ephesians 5:18

After calling us to a walk of wisdom, Paul presents a sharp contrast: the influence of wine versus the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In both cases, "the person is controlled by a power outside of himself". Drunkenness leads to a loss of control, foolishness, and actions that dishonor God. Being filled with the Spirit, however, leads to a different kind of influence—one that produces righteousness, joy, and a beautiful testimony.

The wisest thing a disciple can do is to "walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit". Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at salvation (John 14:16-17), but being

filled with the Spirit is a daily choice. It is a continual cooperation, where we yield our actions, our words, and our hearts to His guidance. It means we don't "quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or "grieve the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 4:30) through disobedience.

What does this Spirit-filled life look like? It overflows with joy and worship! It results in:

Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father.
Submitting to one another in the fear of God.

This isn't a quiet, passive existence. It's an abundant life marked by a renewed heart and a spirit of gratitude. As Pastor Steve powerfully stated,

"Our circumstances should not affect our giving of thanks. However, giving of thanks will affect our circumstances". This is the fruit of a life lived under the beautiful influence of the Holy Spirit.

Our time on this earth is short. We, therefore, should not leave our walk to chance. Today, we resolve to walk circumspectly, buying up every opportunity, and to walk in the fullness of the Spirit, allowing His power to shape us from the inside out. Therefore, we should take every step with purpose, for the glory of our God and King.

A life overflowing with the Holy Spirit is not a mystical or vague experience; it produces tangible, observable fruit. It is an abundant life that reshapes our relationships with God and with others, expressed through our words, our hearts, our attitudes, and our actions.

Speaking to One Another in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

The fullness of the Spirit is not a silent, solitary state; it is corporate and vocal. It naturally overflows into mutual encouragement within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul gives a parallel command in Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Our conversations are to be saturated with the truth of God's Word, building one another up in the faith. This is the practical outworking of Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works."

Singing and Making Melody in Your Heart to the Lord

While our speech edifies others, the Spirit also cultivates a deep, internal wellspring of personal worship. This is the joy that is not dependent on outward performance but on the inward reality of a renewed heart. A heart filled with the Spirit cannot help but sing. This reflects the psalmist's exhortation in Psalm 95:1-2: "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." This "melody in your heart" is the personal, sincere worship that flows from a mind and heart being transformed by God.

Giving Thanks Always for All Things to God the Father
A life under the influence of the Holy Spirit is marked by deep and persistent gratitude. This thankfulness is not conditional upon our circumstances. In fact, the command to give thanks is presented as a central aspect of God’s will for us. As it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". This is possible because our hope is secure. We give thanks knowing that God "always leads us in triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). This spirit of gratitude should permeate all we do, as instructed in Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Submitting to One Another in the Fear of God

Finally, the Spirit-filled life is a life of humility. It counters the world's push for self-promotion with a divine call for mutual submission. A person walking in the fullness of the Spirit is not focused on their own agenda, but on God's agenda and the well-being of others. This mirrors the heart of Christ, described in Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." This act of "placing yourself under" another is done "in the fear of God," recognizing our ultimate accountability and reverence for Him as we interact with His children.