Ephesians 5:15:17 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Proverbs 22:3: A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.
Remember Bugs Bunny where Elmer Fudd was always chasing that “wabbit?” One of his favorite sayings was “Be careful, be vewy vewy careful.”
We are reminded throughout Scripture to be careful, to be very careful how we live. We are instructed to be wise – because the days are evil. We are commanded to be prudent and to see evil ahead of us so that we might hide ourselves from it.
In this life, no matter the period of history, Christians live in a hostile environment. The enemy of our soul is very adept at tailoring opposition to the Church as well as to individual members. When Paul speaks of the days as evil, that’s what he means – that in every period (day) in history the Church will encounter hostility. Sometimes that hostility is open and vigorous, sometimes it is hidden, but it is always there.
The wise in Christ will be aware of the evil of the present day. The wise in Christ will hide in the shelter of the Lord’s will. The wise in Christ will be careful not to fall into the enemy’s tactics and traps, and to heed the Spirit’s warnings.
Lord, help your Church to be wise in this evil day. Help your church to be aware of the enemy’s tactics and to run to You. Make us careful about how we live each day. Keep us centered in Your will. Amen.
