This Sunday our readings include some discussion about Wisdom.
I’ve often thought about what it means to live wisely and [to know Jesus](#to-know-jesus). We get advice from everywhere—friends, family, social media, and even strangers who mean well—and it can feel like too much when we try to figure out what real wisdom looks like. The apostle Paul gives us a clear answer in his letter to the Ephesians: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).
These verses are full of meaning, and it begins with a clear and strong instruction: “Do not get drunk with wine.” At first, you might think this is just a simple order about not drinking too much, but it goes deeper than that. Paul compares two ways of living—one guided by earthly pleasures and [sin](#sin), and another led by God’s Spirit. When we run after things like too much drinking, we’re often trying to fill a hole or escape life’s problems. But these choices take us further from the peace and wisdom we’re looking for.
Paul takes it a step further; he urges us to be “filled with the Spirit.” This is where we find the real source of wisdom and [how to know Jesus](#how-to-know-jesus). To be filled with the Spirit isn’t just about following rules or doing the right thing; it has to do with having a close [personal relationship with God](#personal-relationship-with-god). It’s about letting God’s presence guide our thoughts, actions, and choices. When the Spirit fills us, we’re not just steering clear of bad decisions; we’re looking to God to give us wisdom and direction in all we do.
But how can we build this type of relationship with God and truly [know God](#know-god)? Paul gives us some down-to-earth examples: singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; creating melodies to the Lord in our hearts; and thanking God all the time. These aren’t just religious routines; they’re [spiritual disciplines](#spiritual-disciplines) to keep our hearts and minds centered on God. When we sing hymns together at church or hum a spiritual tune during the day, we remind ourselves of God’s presence and [love God](#love-god) more deeply. We open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
One of the strongest ways to feel this bond with God is through worship. Worship isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday morning (though we love it when you join your voice with ours!); it’s about living a [Christian life](#christian-life) that gives honor to God in all we do. When we worship, whether through music, prayer, [meditation](#meditation), or helping others, we bring our hearts in line with [God’s character](#gods-character) of love, kindness, and mercy. We allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with insight and knowledge.
For instance, remember a situation where you felt swamped or puzzled. Perhaps you faced a tough choice, and you couldn’t decide which path to take. At such times, we often depend on our own insight or ask others for guidance. But what if we turned to God through worship and prayer instead? What if we requested the Holy Spirit to direct us and provide the wisdom we need? In my personal experience when I set aside time to worship and [seek God](#seeking-god), I often gain clarity and peace that I couldn’t find elsewhere.
Another key part of being filled with the Spirit is feeling grateful. Paul tells us to thank God the Father all the time for everything. This might look like a big ask when life gets tough, but being thankful has a powerful effect on [knowing God personally](#knowing-god-personally). When we think about what we’re grateful for, we remind ourselves how good and faithful God is. We’re saying that, no matter what hard times we go through, God is right there with us and will take care of us.
Being grateful doesn’t mean we ignore our issues or act like everything’s fine (it’s not). It’s about seeing the good stuff even when times are tough. It’s about believing God is at work in our lives even if we can’t tell right now. One way to build gratitude is to start a gratitude journal. Each day, spend a bit of time writing down a few things you’re thankful for. As time goes by, you’ll notice how this easy habit changes how you see things and helps you stay rooted in [God’s wisdom](#gods-wisdom).
So how does all this connect to the concept of true wisdom? Wisdom goes beyond knowing the right answers or making good choices; it involves a deep connection to the source of all wisdom—God. When the Spirit fills us, when we live lives of worship and thankfulness, we put ourselves in a position to receive God’s guidance and insight. We allow God to mold our thoughts, our decisions, and our lives.
In today’s world, people can become obsessed with gaining knowledge, achieving success, and seeking approval from others. But real wisdom has a different origin. It stems from a close relationship with God, being filled with the Spirit, and living in a way that shows God’s love and grace. We can’t get this kind of wisdom on our own; it’s a gift that comes from our connection to God and [knowing Jesus](#knowing-jesus).
When I think about what Paul said to the Ephesians, it strikes me how crucial it is to keep a close bond with God in every part of our lives. It doesn’t matter if we’re dealing with big choices or just going about our day-to-day stuff, we need God’s insight to show us the way. And here’s the best part: this insight is right there for us, not because of anything we do, but because of our connection with God.
Let’s follow Paul’s guidance. We should steer clear of distractions and temptations that draw us away from God. Instead, we need to allow the Spirit to fill us and [bear the fruit of the Spirit](#fruit-of-the-spirit). We should make worship and thankfulness regular parts of our daily life. As we stay close to God, we can trust that we’ll gain the wisdom we need to handle life’s hurdles.
At its core, true wisdom involves more than just making clever decisions. It’s about [knowing God](#know-god) and letting that relationship mold every part of our lives. Let’s hope we all can be filled with the Spirit, leading lives full of worship and gratitude, and rooted in the wisdom that stems from our close bond with God.
