A Life in Exile

I know, as per Solomon the Wise, there is nothing new under the sun, but the days we’re living in sure do seem to me to have an extra helping of evil sprinkled in. I find myself watching less and less of the news, and yet, I still can’t avoid feeling the change. Perhaps that’s why Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus spoke so strongly to me in recent days.

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)

What do we do in these evil days?

• Be careful in how we live. Do I pay attention to how I live my life, or am I letting the days carry me away? Allowing busyness to consume me? Becoming reactive and not proactive? Seeking the Lord’s will for each day?
• Live wisely. If you feel you’re not living wisely, ask the Lord to give you wisdom, for he always gives generously to those who ask. Don’t take unwise risks  or make unwise alliances that may lead to compromised faith or a tarnished witness.
• Make the most of every opportunity. Opportunities for what? Opportunities to give God glory, to give witness for Christ, to share the reason for the hope that is in us. Don’t let the evil days suppress your witness for Christ — that’s Satan’s goal.

If the above seems too ambiguous…Paul gives us some practical ways to practice wise living: (See Ephesians 5:17-6:10)

• Understand God’s will (keep in the Scriptures, as he reveals his will clearly there)
• Be filled with the Spirit, instead of too much wine.
• Speak out the words of Scripture, psalms and hymns. Make the words of truth a part of your daily conversation with others.
• Sing out loud and in your heart music that honors God.
• Give thanks at all times to God in the name of Jesus.
• Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
• Put on the FULL armor of God (truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word)

Both of my sons have now seen the ruins of the great city of Ephesus and the church that at one time thrived among a pagan people. Not only did Paul visit and write to this church, but John also recorded the Lord’s letter to the church in the book of Revelation. They really struggled against the evil and it cost them to lose sight of their first love–Jesus.

As the days grow evil around us, are we also compromising our faith and losing sight of our first love? I don’t want my church to become a ruin…or my life? What about you?

Grace and Peace