eVotional: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

Car Stereos and Devotion

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”  1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, NKJV

This Scripture caused me to recall that I lived in an apartment in South Minneapolis many years ago. I had a pretty good car stereo system. I faithfully brought the detachable face (yes it was that long ago) into my apartment every day. For just one day, one day, I left it in the car. That very same day a thief broke in and stole the stereo! Arrrrg! Are you kidding me? That very day?

I had a dream one morning that our church had been broken into. All the audio equipment was gathered into the pulpit area as if thieves were about ready to run off with the gear until suddenly being chased out. The Pastor came and inspected the situation. He pulled a piece of equipment out of the sound booth and stood at the pulpit. It was a broken speaker that had needed servicing long before the thief ever got there. The Pastor said, One reason a thief finds opportunity is because if we’re not going to take care of our own things, someone else will gladly take it!’

Now I can look at this perspective by way of my earthly house, my body, the temple of the living God. I can say that I’m not always taking care of every little hurting piece. That “one” day comes when I don’t protect those things that are most dear to me. I get tired. I get lazy. I get frustrated. I get weary. Yet, I know now that if I don’t take good care of this Temple of God, the devil will surely advance his agenda! Praise be to God for his reminders to be prayerful and watchful at all times. It’s in those moments of our weakness or neglect that unfortunately provide that window of opportunity for those spirits who seek to do ill. Our Lord has enlightened us that we might prepare for those thieves!

That same pastor used to say, “I stay ready to keep from having to get ready.” Wise words. And he lived them out faithfully. Use those whom God has sent you to stay accountable and encouraged. He has not left us without. Where there is a call, there is provision. Blessings upon you!