Sin Loves An Idle Mind

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:16

Enjoy your free time, but beware of the dangers that come with it. Sin loves an idle mind. It is easy to think that in those rare moments of free time, we have somehow earned the right to use that time to do whatever we want. With this mindset, we naturally let down your guard, and it is then that sin will strike with most appeal, and with the subtlest of suggestions.

There are times when we are tempted to sin and we know it is sin. Whether we are sitting around watching a movie or surfing the internet, the temptation to sin can be obvious and clear, but when we’ve got nothing else to do, it is more enticing. However, sin in that format is generally easy to pick out. Sin has the ability to disguise itself as innocent and harmless. It is far more dangerous for us when sin causes us to make small compromises that seem like nothing at all. Maybe this movie isn’t bad, exactly, but is it beneficial? Maybe that website doesn’t have anything inappropriate, but is reading it a wise use of your time? Whether or not some particular activity is actually sinful, assess whether it is something that could possibly lead to sin, and whether there is something better to do with your time. On the internet, sin is always waiting at your fingertips. In our media-driven culture, sin, and the temptation to sin, is ever-present.

This does not mean that we have to completely isolate ourselves from everything. “But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil” (Roman 16:19). When idle time comes your way, prayerfully consider what the best use of your time would be. Are you engaging things of the world that are potentially harmful and will tear you down? Do not allow room for sin to grab hold—resist anything that presents sin as humorous or harmless into your life