In a small village nestled between green hills, there was a young woman named Miriam. Miriam was known for her kindness, but life’s distractions often pulled her away from what mattered most. One day, her elderly neighbor Anna gently whispered to her, “Life is short. Walk wisely, not as the unwise.”

Those words lingered in Miriam’s mind. They echoed as she read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, specifically the words, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Miriam decided to make some changes. She rose early to pray and thanked God throughout the day. She stopped wasting time in gossip and bitterness, choosing instead to encourage her friends and neighbors with kind words and acts of service. She forgave someone who had wronged her. At the market, she chose honesty over convenience.

Miriam’s transformation didn’t go unnoticed. Her joy seemed deeper, her presence lighter. When asked what had changed, she simply smiled and said, “I decided to walk wisely.”

This story of Miriam illustrates the timeless truth that Paul was conveying to the Ephesian believers—and to us today. Walking carefully and wisely is not just a suggestion; it’s a command for every believer. But how do we do this effectively? Let’s explore the five holy habits outlined by Paul that can help us carefully walk the walk.

1. Walk Wisely

Paul starts by urging us to walk carefully and wisely. The Greek word for “carefully” conveys the idea of precision, exactness, and accuracy—not necessarily perfection, but intentional living. As followers of Christ, we’re called to live with a sense of purpose, making the most of every opportunity.

How do we walk wisely? By grounding ourselves in God’s Word and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It’s about aligning our decisions with God’s will and resisting the temptation to drift aimlessly through life. Paul reminds us that life is brief, and our time is precious. We must walk with purpose, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and not getting sidetracked by distractions.

2. Watch Your Time

In verse 16, Paul emphasizes the importance of time, urging believers to make the best use of it because the days are evil. He uses a powerful metaphor—redeeming the time, much like buying up a valuable bargain before it’s gone.

Time is fleeting, and opportunities to serve God and impact others won’t last forever. Instead of wasting time, Paul encourages us to live with urgency and intentionality, seeking to maximize every moment for God’s glory.

One powerful example of redeeming the time came from Violet. Recently, God prompted her to stop at a Dollar General. She initially resisted but eventually obeyed. In that moment, she encountered a distressed woman who needed someone to pray with her. That divine appointment was only possible because Violet was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and chose to make the most of her time.

3. Work Out God’s Will

Understanding and aligning with God’s will is essential in carefully walking the walk. Paul challenges us not to be foolish but to understand the will of the Lord (v. 17). God’s will isn’t a mystical, unattainable mystery. Instead, it’s revealed through His Word.

What is God’s will? It includes salvation, sanctification, thanksgiving, and discipleship. God wants us to grow in Christlikeness, to love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly. It’s not just about what we do but who we are becoming in Christ.

4. Welcome the Filling of the Holy Spirit

In the latter part of the passage, Paul shifts the focus to the Spirit’s filling. He warns against being controlled by external influences, like drunkenness, and instead urges believers to be filled with the Spirit.

Being filled with the Spirit isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous, daily process. It involves yielding control, seeking God’s presence, and allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us for holy living. The Spirit’s filling enables us to walk in God’s power, love others genuinely, and live out the gospel in everyday life.

5. Worship and Submit

Finally, Paul concludes by urging believers to worship God through songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. Worship isn’t confined to Sunday mornings; it’s a daily act of submission to God’s authority in every area of life. It’s also about mutual submission to one another out of reverence for Christ.

In today’s world, where distractions are endless and evil is pervasive, walking carefully is not just a good idea—it’s a spiritual necessity. We’re called to live with purpose, redeem our time, align with God’s will, walk in the Spirit, and worship continually.

Miriam’s story reminds us that transformation begins with a single decision to walk wisely. Like Miriam, we too can make that decision today. Let’s commit to walking the walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity for the glory of God.