ODJ: Wexting?

November 20, 2016 

READ: Ephesians 5:1-21 

Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise (v.15).

A pedestrian is startled as a car screeches to an abrupt halt—just inches from his body. He lifts his head and thumbs from his glowing smartphone screen, scowls at the driver, and keeps walking. This scene plays out every day somewhere in the world. Texting walkers are the latest concern—doing something called wexting.

Wexters or pedtextrians, according to Silicon Valley technology forecaster Paul Saffo, can be potent weapons of mass distraction. Walking and texting simply don’t mix well.

In a similar way, our “walk” as believers in Jesus requires less distractions and more focus. Paul reminded the Ephesian believers of this truth in his letter to them. Having discussed the works of darkness (5:1-14), he then instructed the Ephesians to walk in a new way of life—making “the most of every opportunity” (v.16). Living a Christ-enlightened life was difficult because Ephesus was filled with all kinds of tempting distractions. So Paul warned them to live carefully. He knew they needed to pay close attention to each step taken in the midst of an ungodly culture. Not to do so would be foolish. To be more focused and less distracted, their conduct was to be rooted in wisdom and controlled by the Spirit (vv.15,18).

Pervasive distractions make it extremely difficult for us to live a Christ-honoring life, even when we want to. But we can find sure footing by following the Scriptures and the leading of the Holy Spirit and by asking God to give us spiritual wisdom for each step we take. By His guidance, we can live in a way that pleases Him and produce good fruit, be less distracted by the world, and grow to know and love Him better.

—Marvin Williams

365-day plan: Romans 5:1-11