Because the days are evil

In the Roman Empire, Ephesus was a very important center of commerce. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-20 some very practical advice on how to live during what he described as “evil” days. The days we live in are not so different. As we live these days, Pastor Phil Kniss alerted us to two common pitfalls that Christians might fall into. One is to give up on this world and focus on the spiritual world. The other is to become idealistic and work at creating a perfect world here and now. Ephesians 5:15-20 urges us to live a Spirit-filled life. This is not escapism and Pastor Phil gave examples from the Bible of Spirit-filled persons who still experienced the messiness of the world. Can we be fully engaged with the world while we engage fully with the spiritual and communal practices of our faith?