Therefore, He says, “Arise, sleeping one, and stand up out of the dead ones, and Christ will shine on you.” Then watch how carefully you walk, not as unwise, but as wise ones, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. For this reason, do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, Eph -18 TIB
Those who sleep/ rest need to stand up out of the dead ones (unbelievers) and Christ will give us light. Look that you walk/ deport yourself- with steady application and care; not carelessly or negligently (Webster’s), not unwise, but wise. Buy up the time because the days are hurtful/ evil. Be not mindless, stupid, egotistical, rash, unbelieving (Strong’s) but understand the desire of the Lord. Don’t be drunk with alcohol, but be completely filled with the Spirit.
We are supposed to get out of the spiritually dead of the world. This doesn’t necessarily mean not living/ working beside them, but to stand apart from them. We should stand out as being different from them. I don’t think that’s the case much anymore. Most people wouldn’t even know a Christian from a non-Christian, and that’s a shame. Christ’s light can’t shine through us if we are living like the world.
We are to ransom (Strong’s)/ diligently observe and improve (Mat. Henry’s Comm) the time in these hurtful and evil days. In other words, we’re not supposed to be wasting our time doing things that we shouldn’t or God doesn’t want us to do. We are to serve- our God, serve our local body, and serve the world. But we need to be wise and serve where God wants us to. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:” (Ps. 127:1) We are to observe our lives, improve our efficiency, and always do what God has called us to do.
Understand the Lord’s desire. There is only one way to do that. Spend time with Him*. I think that is the one thing we easily give up every day for lack of time, yet it is the one thing we need most. How can we understand what He wants in our lives when we don’t even spend time with Him? How should we live: read verse 18:
Be completely filled with the Spirit.
*Reading the Word. Praying. Listening to His voice. Ask Him what He wants us to do. Thanking and worshipping Him. Repeat…