What does it mean to “be circumspect”? A dictionary definition explains it as being wary and unwilling to take risks. The latin root implies to look around, to be careful or cautious. Another definition was “living by the spirits power”. In today’s exposition, we’ll define it simply and being led by the Holy Spirit.
As we read a few scriptures today, I hope they serve as a gentle reminder that our time here on earth is a pretty short journey. Each day you wake up with breath in your lungs in proof that there is still a purpose and mandate that you, in particular, need to achieve.
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT
Be thankful for where you’ve come from and what you’ve been through. Be grateful for where you are today and what you currently do. Never forget however to also honour God for trusting you enough with more time and a future to fulfill that purpose for which you were created. If ever you feel lost, confused or incapable (all deceptions from the pit of hell by the way), don’t hesitate to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit and through God’s holy word.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” – James 1:19-25 NLT
The following sentences sum the above scripture up. Be careful what you say and do. Be careful what you see and hear. Be humble to receive and obey the purpose God has mandated you to execute for that is where your blessing will come from.
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” – Luke 2:15-20 KJV
Let people see your works and be witnesses of what God is doing through you to impact the lives of others. The shepherds became witnesses of what they saw after visiting Mary and Joseph. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Oftentimes our “okro mouth” may endanger us and our purpose/destiny or lead us on a journey of self-sabotage. I digress!!!… but it’s the bitter truth. You mustn’t always blow your own trumpet.
May the Holy Spirit lead us in all truth, teach us when and when not to talk, what and what not to say, how and how not to live. That we will not be tossed about by the tempest of this world but rather that we might live purposefully for the glory and honour of Adonai.
Be stirred up by this song of consecration:
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 