Ephesians 5:15 (NLT) delivers a powerful truth: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” This verse reminds us that God sees it all, and He’s watching not just what we do but also our faith and love. He knows the motivation behind every choice and action we make, and when we’re careful how we live, our faith and love towards God will manifest in our lives in a powerful way!
Let me introduce you to Yvonne’s journey towards this realization. She’s the epitome of a multitasker—juggling motherhood, a job as a travel agent, moonlighting as a hair braider, and a dedicated member of her church’s choir. But what truly sets her apart isn’t just her busy schedule; it’s her knack for making everyone feel at home in her braiding chair. People spill their life stories to her, knowing she’s a vault of trust. She learned early on that gossiping wasn’t her style—partly because it’s messy, but also because her grandma drummed into her that God isn’t a fan of this practice at all.
After hearing so many of her clients’ stories of heartbreak and mistakes, Yvonne offered a consoling ear, but she was also making mental notes and praying to the Lord that she would never find herself in their situations. The wisdom of Micah 6:8 (NLT) says, “The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Yvonne’s grandmother taught her this very basic tenet of our faith. We must do what is right, love acts of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, and we must throw arrogance to the wind and always be humble towards our Heavenly Father. This Godly wisdom had been Yvonne’s backbone and helped to guide her out of many of the challenges she had faced in life. Recently, though, she’s been struggling with it.
Two years after her divorce, her last relationship was another crash course in heartache. She dove in heart first, only to spend months picking up the pieces. Her grandma’s voice echoed in her head, urging her to wise up and stop chasing after the wrong things, but that voice was drowned out by Yvonne’s refusal to let this man go and obey God.
A pattern of on-again-off-again summed up many of her other client’s relationships, and some of them were dating the same man and didn’t even know it. They relentlessly pursued men that were non-committal and unfaithful. Yvonne had vowed to never allow herself to be taken in like that, but there she was—stalking, obsessed over a man who simply wasn’t interested in loving her.
Jesus Christ states in Matthew 6:33(NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This isn’t just a piece a wisdom to be placed on a shelf somewhere; it’s a game-changer! Our commitment to the Father must be wholehearted. God is watching. He sees our hearts, and they tell Him the condition of our love and faith towards Him. Don’t be unwise and let the enemy trap you by fooling you into idolatry. Get your head and heart into living this life of Christ and become more grounded in your love and faith towards God.
Instead of blindly following our emotions, we need to question our motives, learn from our blunders, and stick close to God’s Word. Yvonne woke up, switched gears, and surrendered her all to the Lord, and this is the move many of us desperately need to make, especially at this juncture in our lives. As we grow older, we must realize that time is a precious commodity. We can’t afford to waste it stumbling through life. Whether we missed out on life lessons or chose to ignore them, we can’t hit rewind. As women of God, we’ve got to be strategic, walking in wisdom, truth, and God’s guidance every step of the way. This is the path that pleases Him, and it will always lead to His blessings and peace. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“God Is Always Watching”, written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.