I pretty much slept through high-school. As soon as I took my seat at my desk, opened the book and tried to listen, I got tired. It’s not because I was overworked or even overstressed. No, this was a different sort of tired. It’s marked by boredom and disinterest. This was true of most subjects but math and world history stand out to me. Funny thing is I knew that both were useful information. I actually enjoyed math, I even liked the drama of world history, even so, I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
I wonder if that’s what Paul is talking about in 1 Thessalonians 5. He warns us about two ways we go through our Christian lives sleepy, and drunk. Sleepiness is what happens when I slowly stop paying attention to God. Drunkenness is what happens when I intentionally look somewhere else to satisfy or numb my soul. One is drift; the other is escape. Both leave me unprepared for the life God has called me to live. Sometimes, my Christian life is just like that world history class, unmotivated, disinterested, and disconnected.
The remedy, as Paul puts it, is to put on our armor. The breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation. Remember your armor? The faith that God is for you and a love that dies for you. But don’t forget hope. Remember the promise that he is coming? A day is coming where sin, darkness and deception are gone. These are not just our protection but also our motivation.
Faith trusts God today.
Love serves others today.
Hope keeps our eyes on tomorrow.