I’ve been thinking about what I could say this week to help people deal with the current conditions in a way that strengthens and displays their faith in God, and there’s been so much great content out there of late. It’s been actually a pretty encouraging time, despite the difficulties. A lot of people are suffering and afraid, and it’s important that we continue not only praying for them, but finding ways to help when they become available.
It reminded me of the passage in Ephesians 5, when Paul writes: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
A staycation during “evil times”
That seems like a pretty appropriate message for today. Because suddenly, it seems like we all have a lot more time on our hands.
With events cancelled, restaurants closing their dining areas, offices shutting down, many are taking this opportunity to self quarantine, and it’s kind of tempting to turn it into a “staycation” — because no society in history has ever been as equipped as we are to be quarantined in our homes. We have limitless entertainment options, we have food delivery services, we have plenty of ways to contact each other and interact online.
The introverts among us are thinking “this is my moment!”
But when Paul says “the days are evil,” he’s not talking about the idea undergoing hardship. And I think when we look at the full context, his message becomes even more appropriate for us:
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. — Ephesians 5:6-17
He’s saying all this in the context of living in an environment that is characterized by sin, and that’s certainly true today. In fact, when we start thinking about all the opportunities for engagement we have in our homes, how many of them are doorways to let those sinful influences in? And how many of them — even when they’re not bad in themselves — can help us to take a vacation not just from the world, but from our service to God?
How are we spending our quarantine time?
For those of us who are home — by ourselves or with family — it’s pretty easy to keep ourselves occupied all day long and get to the end of the day and realize, “I didn’t give any of that time to God.”
I spent hours surfing the internet, watching streaming videos, playing games, reading the news, but only a few minutes here and there praying. How much of that time did I spend reading my Bible, trying to better understand God’s will for me, looking for applications of how I ought to be dealing with this current crisis? How much time did I spend thinking about my brothers and sisters who have needs — and helping them when the opportunity arises?
None of that is to say that we can’t engage in fun, relaxing activities while we’re home. But Paul says that we should “look carefully how you walk… making the best use of our time… because the days are evil.” Because if we’re not careful, the world will use every opportunity — even the innocent ones — to try and distance us from God.
There have been a lot of jokes about the idea that we’ve been social distancing now for years, we just now have name for it. But have we been distancing ourselves from God? Avoiding things that are spiritual in nature because that kind of thing belongs in church?
When we want God we’ll go find him, but our home is for us, that’s where we do what WE want to do!
Are we social distancing from God?
Our homes need to not just include God, but center around God. Our habits, our diversions, our priorities need to start with the knowledge that God is part of everything we do, in every moment of our lives!
And so Paul writes in verse 18, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
So if we find ourselves at home today, or in the coming days if the government should tell us all to stay home until the virus is under control, let’s think about redeeming some time for God. Let’s think of the opportunity that’s laid in front of us not to serve ourselves, but to serve God, and to serve others.
The virus makes our bodies weaker, but we can use this time to make our spirits stronger in Christ. While we’re taking all the precautions against illness with hand washing and social distancing, let’s remember that our biggest concern should be inoculating ourselves against the influences of this world.
Make the best use of your time, and keep training for godliness.
