“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
(Ephesians 5:15–17)
INTRODUCTION
We live in a time when one of the greatest battles of the Christian is not only against visible sin, but against subtle distractions.
The enemy knows that if he cannot destroy your faith instantly, he will try to steal your attention, weaken your focus, and drain your time.
Paul tells the Ephesians: “See then that you walk circumspectly…”
Meaning: Be careful how you live. Pay attention to what is controlling your heart.
Today we will reflect on how daily distractions pull us away from communion with God—and how we can walk wisely in these evil days.
1. THE DAYS ARE EVIL AND FULL OF DISTRACTIONS
Paul declares that “the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16).
Not only because of violence or corruption, but because we live in a world designed to make us waste time, forget God, and stay too busy to seek His presence.
Modern-day distractions:
-
endless scrolling on phones
-
anxiety and daily worries
-
overworking
-
constant entertainment
-
comparing ourselves with others online
-
the pressure to accomplish more and more
These things may seem harmless, but they become thieves of communion.
Jesus warned:
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
(Matthew 26:41)
If you don’t watch, you get distracted.
If you get distracted, you drift away.
And if you drift away, your spirit becomes weak.
2. DISTRACTIONS THAT PULL US AWAY FROM GOD
a) Martha was so busy she left Jesus waiting
In Luke 10:38–42, Martha was overwhelmed by her tasks and didn’t notice that Jesus was in her house.
Jesus told her:
“Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things…”
But “only one thing is needed.”
Martha represents the believer who loves Jesus, yet becomes so overwhelmed by life that they neglect what matters most.
b) The thorny soil that chokes the Word
Jesus warned that some people hear the Word, but:
“the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word.”
(Matthew 13:22)
The person doesn’t reject the Bible…
They just get too busy.
The seed doesn’t die—it's choked.
c) Samson lost his strength through carelessness, not lack of calling
Samson didn’t fall all at once.
He was distracted little by little, flirting with danger, until he lost his strength (Judges 16).
The enemy still works this way today:
A little distraction today… a little tomorrow…
Until we lower our spiritual guard.
3. REDEEMING THE TIME: LIVING INTENTIONALLY
Paul gives the solution:
a) Walk as wise (v. 15)
Wise people know what is important.
Wise people filter what consumes their energy.
Wise people understand that time with God is not an option—it’s a necessity.
b) Redeem the time (v. 16)
To redeem means to buy back, to reclaim.
Paul is essentially saying:
“Don’t let the world decide how you live. Build your life around God’s presence.”
c) Understand the will of the Lord (v. 17)
A distracted heart cannot hear God.
But a focused heart learns to walk obediently and confidently.
4. HOW TO OVERCOME DAILY DISTRACTIONS
1. Start your day with God
Before speaking to anyone, speak to Jesus.
(“Seek first the Kingdom…” – Matthew 6:33)
2. Take small prayer pauses throughout the day
David said:
“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray.”
(Psalm 55:17)
3. Reduce mental noise—limit screens and social media
“Casting all your care upon Him.”
(1 Peter 5:7)
4. Fill your heart with the Word
Faith does not come from scrolling online—it comes from the Word.
(Romans 10:17)
5. Ask God for spiritual discernment daily
Discernment is not intelligence—it is the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
Paul calls us to live intentionally.
Not letting the world dictate our pace, but choosing to live centered on God’s presence.
God doesn’t want a portion of your time—He wants your heart.
May we echo the words of David:
“One thing I have desired of the LORD… that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.”
(Psalm 27:4)
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, deliver us from every distraction that tries to steal our time and weaken our communion with You.
Purify our thoughts, renew our focus, and help us walk wisely in these evil days.
Teach us to redeem the time and understand Your will.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário