Ephesians 5:15-16 reads, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil”. This verse is an exhortation to give time to God especially in evil days.
Evil days can mean forms of lifestyle, common trends or popular beliefs (such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs). Satan knows how to seek after our hearts. He sets us deliberating on material things like a fashionable lifestyle, getting the next property or growing the next pot of gold. He keeps us busy with our livelihood, sometimes causing our faith to drift away. I would like to share two kinds of “evil days” that are prevalent around me. They are going to the movies and peer pressure in the workplace.
Catching a movie is one of my favorite pastimes, especially Hollywood movies. Movies are getting more realistic and can captivate us nowadays. I recall watching a blockbuster movie called “The Da Vinci Code” and it left me with traces of doubt in deliberating on the origin of Jesus Christ. Now thinking back as a more matured Christian, taking a tale literally at face value can pose harm to our spiritual maturity, especially if one is not grounded in truth. Christ wants us to submit to Him (Eph 5:24) and obey his commandments. Our belief is not fictional and the underlying truth of Jesus will not change (Heb 13:8).
Workplace peer pressure is a form of psychological effect that compels an individual to fit in workplace culture. Peer pressure can result in being coerced by colleagues for a drinking session. Drinking alcoholic drinks is not permitted (Eph 5:18). Nevertheless, Christians may still face a constant struggle to get their peers' approval. Peer pressure can also lead to disparaging others. I was in a conversation with a group of colleagues on a work related issue but gradually lost focus and it became a complaint session. In hindsight, I should have quickly directed the conversation back to the problem or excused myself instead of contributing to it. Satan used a seemingly harmless casual meeting to lead us to sin because he is a roaring lion (1 Pet 5:8). We should learn to tame our tongue (Jam 3:3-14). We should not let corrupted words come out of our mouths (Eph 4:29). Christians may face distractions or detractions in their Christian journeys when in close proximity to colleagues who are not walking the narrow way (Mat 7:13-14). This can give rise to unfruitful deliberation affecting us both physically and mentally.
It can be discouraging to live in the evil days. How can we redeem the time as the apostle Paul encouraged us to?
The apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15 encouraged us: be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. He instructed Christians to walk carefully (circumspectly), and be wise in our choices. He advised us not to hinder our faith by spending time deliberating on false doctrine which are perceived as truth.
Let us take heed to God’s word being presented to us.