Daily Reflections, Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Today's Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1

“Fresh off a remarkable victory over the combined forces of Syria and Ammon, David sent his armies to battle the Ammonites once again. Up to this point, David had personally led his troops into battle. This kept him busy about the Lord’s work. But this time, he would stay home. His idleness opened the door to a sin he would soon regret.

Sin is always ready to occupy empty space. Throughout Scripture, idleness is depicted in a negative light. It provides fodder for seeds of temptation. From the very beginning of time, God intended for man to work. We gain the most satisfaction when we are busy in His service. This doesn’t mean we have to read our Bibles and pray 24/7, but it does mean we must fill our free time with things of value. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to keep a bridle on our thoughts.

Perhaps you are preparing for retirement. Enjoy the fruit of your labors, but keep yourself busy. Get involved with your church’s senior ministry or do fun things with your children or grandchildren. If you’re a student excited about summer vacation, make sure you have fun, but don’t forget the bridle. Drugs, alcohol, internet pornography and a host of other vices might be more of a temptation if you aren’t busy in the work of the Lord. Don’t let the devil catch you off guard.

Today's Quote: We are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act, and in acting, to live.
—General Omar Bradley