That may seem like a ridiculous question, because you may not feel like you have any down time! But, we all do. There are at least a few minutes throughout the week when we are waiting on something to finish–like the laundry or the dishes–and we just have a few moments of down time. How do you spend that time?
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Paul speaking on Mars Hill. Since visiting this remarkable site, I see the story in a whole new light. And, since I’ve stood in the same place and looked at a very similar scenery, I can really picture the story.
When we are introduced to the story of Paul speaking on Mars Hill, Acts 17:16 starts this way,
“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.”
Previously, Paul had been in Berea with Silas and Timothy, but the crowds had been stirred up and they had to leave. Apparently, they left separately, and so verse 16 tells us Paul is waiting on them. But what does he do? Catch up on some sleep? If you think travel is hard today, you cannot begin to imagine how hard it was back then–especially with the hills they had to cross and the miles and miles they had to walk and the bumpy seas they had to navigate! Surely Paul was tired, and it would be understandable if he spent his down time resting.
But that’s not what happens. When he gets to Athens, he sees that the city is given over to idolatry, and that does something to him. It upsets him. It angers him. It provokes him to action.
While America isn’t given over to mythological gods and goddesses, it is given over to materialism, homosexuality, greed, pride, and a host of other sins that are equally as detestable as idolatry. When was the last time your–my–spirit was provoked! When was the last time you HAD to act? HAD to speak out? HAD to evangelize?
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
We know that Christ was provoked to action when He saw the moneychangers in the temple! Truly Paul’s spirit was like Christ’s, and as we are to follow both of their examples, I’m afraid our spirit’s need some stirring up. I know mine does!
Instead of filling our down time with mindless Facebook news feed scrolling or candy crush, let’s write letters to our government officials about God’s thoughts on abortion and homosexuality and gambling and alcohol. Instead of liking the statuses our lost friends post, let’s message them an invitation to come to worship with us. Instead of sitting idly by in the doctors office or airport, let’s strike up a conversation about Jesus and the love He has demonstrated toward us and the person we’re talking to.
Acts 17 always steps on my toes, because I’m nowhere near as bold as the apostle Paul, but I know that I must be. I have the truth. I have grace and forgiveness and every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3) and can tell others where they can find it! I must let my spirit be provoked by the evil and immorality around me to the point that it makes me act! I pray that it will help you to do the same.
This week, let’s make the most of our down time. Use it to God’s glory!
