Have you ever noticed a difference between someone who follows God and another who follows the world? It might look something like one friend choosing not to drink a mimosa at brunch while eating out with a couple of friends. Or it might look like choosing to make godly music instead of popular rap songs.
Although walking circumspectly is not something everybody does, it should be. The idea of being set apart for God’s goodness has much to do with caution. It involves not allowing yourself to grow comfortable living an unholy life—because forgetting the spiritual warfare around us puts us in imminent danger.
What it means to walk circumspectly
Walking circumspectly suggests staying watchful and vigilant at all times. In other words, walking circumspectly can also signify one who tries to avoid error or danger. They are careful and intentional about each decision and understand that every action has direct consequences.
In Greek, “walk circumspectly” means “to watch or look carefully at how you live, to be vigilant and mindful of your behavior, to be on the lookout.” The “walk” alludes to our behavior. That being said, no matter how old or young, how tall or short, or how smart or dumb, we are all called to live mindfully and judiciously so that our lifestyles are in alignment with God’s will.
If you didn’t know this before, that’s okay, but now you do. So the question is: Are you living a deliberate life rooted in the understanding and wisdom of God’s will?
Why is walking circumspectly challenging?
It is difficult because we’re waging a war between the Spirit and our flesh. Our fallen nature inclines us to live a self-pleasing and self-sufficient life. Walking in alignment with God becomes complicated when we try to do it with strength. It is impossible to please God by doing this, though, because those of the flesh (all of humanity) cannot please God.
Is it important?
Absolutely. Doing so is vital because it equips us for the return of our God at any given moment. Therefore, we must always remain watchful and vigilant and live our lives intentionally for all good and righteous things. Our ultimate goal should always be to please God, not our flesh or earthly desires. Not to mention, when walking circumspectly is done humbly and sacrificially, it is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things any believer can experience.
Walk in alignment with God and beware of the wiles of the adversary who is always trying to lead us astray.
Going Deeper With the Word
Fortunately, God never changes. Therefore, His will for us will continue to remain the same throughout the ages. We can trust that walking circumspectly will always be in our best interest and security. Some great scriptures supporting this concept are in the books of Ephesians, Romans, and Matthew. Go deeper with the Word of God by diving into Scripture with us today.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17
“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”
Romans 7:15
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
These scriptures show us the significance of living a holy life, set apart for the Lord. Ephesians warns that those who do not walk circumspectly are to be considered as fools because they are not preparing for judgment day.
The book of Romans gets personal and confronts a raw truth—Paul shares the internal conflict he faces daily, that even as a believer it is challenging for him to deny his flesh (that which he hates) and live for the Lord (that which he loves).
Then, in Matthew, another warning is given regarding who will make Heaven their home, who will not, and how “difficult” it is to maintain a holy life. It’s important to note: Though difficult, it certainly is not impossible. The life of Jesus demonstrated that for us as an example for us to follow. Though many will choose to not live circumspectly (which leads to spiritual death), it’s crucial we be vigilant and cautious with our lives once we know God’s Truth (which leads to spiritual life).
Lastly, as explained in 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin,” it is only by the blood of Jesus that walking circumspectly is possible. Draw near to Him, trust His will for your life, and the rest will follow with the stands you make.
