Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Devotion
When I first read this set of verses, I thought of the clarity necessary for navigating life in the light. It takes a strong level of discipline to remain in that realm. I understand the benefits, but darkness is everywhere, and it can be tough to sift through and shift our focus.
The context of these verses is the return of Jesus, and the behaviors we are encouraged to exhibit as His followers. Since that return date is unknown, we are called to live and act as if it could be tomorrow. This is a challenging concept for me because I become consumed with my pursuits, hopes and dreams in the here and now. While I am incredibly thankful for salvation, and I look forward to eternal life in Heaven, I feel as though that destination is so far away. This is where it becomes more about me than Jesus.
So I’m left questioning. What am I doing today that reveals my faith to others? Is the evidence of my faith alive in today’s agenda or tucked away for maybe tomorrow or the next day. When speaking to the Thessalonians, Paul refers to being awake and sober.
In challenging times, it’s very easy to become absorbed in fixing and finding our way out of the current struggle. Instead, our focus should be on the mightiness of our God and His promise to step in, take away our burdens, and give us the freedom and peace to love and help others.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to be mindful of our focus and how we spend our time. Let us let the hope of salvation guide our steps and remember to go to you, first, for protection and peace.
Author: Megan Ahern
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