Worthy Brief - 5/5/2020
Friend, don’t be fooled.
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
In Israel, it is illegal to use your mobile phone while driving. The law is enforced on major roadways through the use of regularly spaced cameras which monitor drivers and provide the evidence for mailing hefty fines to violators. The purpose, of course, is to prevent horrific accidents caused by drivers who are distracted, being engaged by the increasing options offered by smart phones.
How many options there are to distract us! Even when we're not driving, risking our lives on a device. Yet what are the risks of distraction? We're not speaking of recreation, which is healthy and necessary, but genuine distraction from what's really important.
Distractions, however you identify them in your own life, are dangerous precisely because we lose the awareness of danger. And also because they tend to stupefy, to dull perception, and to turn us from the important and precious priorities of our lives. Distractions are a form of laziness or even sloth (remember those deadly sins?)...
The life of a disciple is a beautiful life because it is disciplined, and increasing in the consciousness of God. Sobriety isn't dull or boring or religious; it's sharp and focused and intentional. Actually, it's more like a race car driver on the Autobahn, who must keep exquisite focus and concentration to enjoy the speed and avoid the dangers...can you imagine a race car driver texting?
Friend, since we do have a dangerous enemy it’s a good habit to begin each day the right way, set for action, prioritized for real life, undistracted...why take the risk to crash and burn?
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Baltimore, Maryland
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