As newspaper articles reported last week on ‘the moon turning to blood’ and Christians debated the meaning, I concluded that Jesus is the One we need to hear.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36
We know drunkenness leads to terrible outcomes. We know the anxieties of life can paralyze. But what is dissipation?
Dissipation describes foolish living. Squandering time, energy, money, or other resources leads to dissipation. We live in a culture of dissipation.
To avoid these things that weigh down our hearts and make us unprepared, we would be wise to live oppositely. We are called to live sober lives and be full of sober thinking. Jesus tells us not to worry so we must ask for grace to live boldly. And finally, we should wisely use all that God gives us. How do I use my time, my money, and my energy? “Lord, fill us each day with your Holy Spirit and help us live abundant lives.”
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:7-11