Day 83, Year 1

Beware of the Traps that Make You Foolish

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” (2 Timothy 2:23 NKJV)

Some foolish things may appear to be adult-like but are still foolish in essence. The “ignorant disputes” in today’s verse are an example. Nowadays, in some wealthy societies, there are many “ignorant disputes,” even more meaningless or useless activities, especially from the perspective of faith. These activities could also generate strife or destructive competition. According to today’s verse, believers need to avoid all strife-filled activities.

The foolishness within a person does resonate externally most of the time. Thus, when we put away childish understanding, thoughts, and behaviors and reject all sinful foolishness, we naturally withdraw from participating in certain useless activities. Of course, what is useless for believers may be very interesting for unbelievers. Sometimes, due to withdrawing from those activities, we might need to temporarily distance ourselves from people who cannot help us grow our faith.

In some societies, opportunities seem to be everywhere. But in reality, there are traps everywhere. In prayer and reflection, when faced with difficult decisions, we could consider: is it necessary to participate in a particular activity? Would there be any direct loss if I choose not to participate? If not participating in that activity does not result in significant detriment, then usually not going is better. This is because people in more developed regions can organize many various activities. It is not that all those activities would cause people to sin. Instead, if believers participate in too many activities that are, on the surface level, correct or meaningful, or for socializing, we would have little time to take care of our spiritual needs and hard to dive deeply into the faith. Indeed, we need to devote time and effort to learn many beneficial spiritual knowledge and understanding.

In light of this, we also need to abandon things considered foolish or a waste of time by the Bible. In affluent, sophisticated, or even hedonistic societies nowadays, there are many time-wasting enjoyments and activities, most directly or indirectly harmful to people. We need to live a simple life so that we can focus on seeking the Lord with a pure heart. Meanwhile, we need to clearly understand the outcomes or impacts of different activities with different people, and according to the Lord’s guidance, connect with wise people and participate wisely in activities that are beneficial to ourselves.

Reflection questions:

1) Is refusing to participate in unhelpful or useless activities difficult? If yes, it is because of what?

2) Is it difficult to live a simple life and focus on seeking the Lord in faith? How would you change yourself for a simple living, if needed?