In Evil Days - October 11, Readings: Jeremiah 25-26, Ephesians 5, Psalm 115:15–18, Proverbs 24:30–34

Links to Today's Readings

We certainly have one thing in common with the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 5:16, he makes this assertion.

"...the days are evil." 

He looked at the world around him and realized that wickedness was entrenched in Roman culture and things didn't look like they were getting better. I cannot say whether our world is more or less sinful than the one in which Paul lived - I've got suspicions!  But we look around us and we see the Enemy seeming to gain ground daily. Our world is abandoned to immorality and perversion, it rushes headlong into self-centeredness and self-indulgence, it is completely devoted to materialism. Yes, the days are evil.

But that is not a reason to give up, to despair or to become hopeless. When the days are evil, the light of Christ shines brightest in us. Paul gave this advice for those living in Christ in an evil world.

^" Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time..."

Too often, we use the fact that the world is evil, that "everyone is doing it," that "no one is perfect," as an excuse for our sinful ways. Instead, Paul encourages them to walk carefully, wisely and to use their time and opportunities well. 

The key to this, of course, is found in verse 18. 

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to live carefully in a world rushing headlong into sin. It is the Spirit who empowers us to walk in wisdom in a world of folly. It is the Spirit who guides us so that we can use our opportunities to serve God and make a difference in this world. 

Father, fill me with your Spirit that I might walk carefully in this evil world. Grant me wisdom and spiritual strength.