Friday; September 8

          During the First Century there was not the same type of Social Security system as we have today so families and churches were put in the position of taking care of those who needed help – especially widows.  When the Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy, about how to set up the widow’s assistance, he gave him some pointers, then offered him a admonition – encourage the younger widows to remarry.  While this is not a biblical command, Paul seemed to understand the challenge facing younger women who accepted this assistance and warned, “At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” (I Timothy 5:13)
          The reason I bring this up is not to critique social services, rather to shine a spotlight on idleness.  Whether we are a widow in the First Century or an online-addict  in the 21st Century, we have to be wary of “idleness”.  When we aren’t busy with productive activities we are apt to get into trouble.  The more we sit, the more we are tempted.  The less we are focused on things that matter, the more we are drawn to things that are not good for us.
          There is an adage that says, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”.  While there have been times throughout history when satan has used harsh conditions to tempt God’s people, today is seems like he is relying on our affluence (and idleness) to get us. 
          Are we keeping active?  If not, we may be falling right into the hands of our adversary.
Think about it!

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