Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Ephesians 5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be associated with them. 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflect
Let’s talk about time…do you have enough? Are you just bored to tears? Most of you adults are probably thinking, no way…I don’t have enough time, and youngins are probably bored out of their mind thinking that time just drags on and there is nothing to do. The Christian faith allows us to see things differently than the world. The resurrection of Christ makes things different, and if anything, it makes us see time differently. Our Scripture passage today is very explicit about the newness of life in Jesus Christ. Paul sets forth many different characteristics of Christians as opposed to those that do not. Specifically, Paul talks about time in verses 15 and 16
15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Living by faith makes us see things differently. We often don’t think about the spirituality of time, but if we stop and think about it, it is probably the most important subject of our spirituality.
How many of you think that if you stop working, the world will also stop working? I have thought that on many occasions. Phrases like, “If I don’t do it, then nobody else will so I guess it’s up to me.” Or you find yourself doing something because you believe that you are the only one who can do it right. So again it’s up to you. Now, in our culture many may say that this is someone who cares; this is someone who wants to get the job done. But that’s not true–this is actually a form of neuroticism. What happens is that we develop a sense of self-importance that isn’t spiritual and it makes us believe that we can actually control what is going on. I am not saying we do not work, of course, we do, but we do so in a way that doesn’t put ourselves in the place of God or that we ignore the power of God in our world.
Today is a Saturday. Take a break and rest up. Tomorrow is the Lord’s day. Worship tomorrow, be with family and friends. Spend your time wisely, not efficiently. Connect with things that gives life.
Pray
Lord, Help us to be wise with our time. Help us to work in such a way that we are faithful but does not burn ourselves out. Help us to rely on your power. Amen
Go with God!
