Alert

We are making our way through Paul’s first letter to the Jesus followers in Thessalonica. Today, Paul provides an important “heads up” for our journey.


1 Thessalonians 5
1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.


Alert. For those of you that don’t know me, I am a huge Ohio State football fan. Jim Tressel, the head coach, has a saying that he supposedly repeats frequently to his players, “Nothing good happens after 10 pm.” I am sure each of has a “10 pm” in our life ... a line we know we shouldn’t cross because it will only provide negative results. Nothing good happens when I watch (fill in the blank). Nothing good happens when I hang out with (fill in the blank). Nothing good happens when I drink (fill in the blank). Nothing good happens when I (fill in the blank). The goal is to avoid returning to the darkness ... even for a visit. The key is us being honest with ourselves about what our weaknesses really are, where they are most readily available and avoiding them at all cost. How alert are you?