Paul's Passing Thoughts

While clearing out my spam cache I noticed the following subject line on one of the emails: “Bored? Chat with hot singles online.” I was struck by the biblical dynamic exemplified in the statement. Idleness is the state from which a host of sin flows. The advertiser was trolling for bored people. This is often a first step leading to sinful enslavement which the Bible calls, “death”:

James 1:14 – But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

This is an anthropomorphic principle that should be utilized by Christians: idleness leads to temptation, then sin, then death. Cities have government sponsored activities for a reason; it reduces crime. There is nothing wrong with using practical means to control sin in the Christian life. The Bible doesn’t call that “pragmatism,” it calls it “wisdom.”

Boredom is a state that evolves from lack of creativity that prevents idleness. The desires of the flesh then begin to scan the landscape for satisfaction. That leads to temptation, then sin, then the fullness of sin (slavery) and death. We should recognize the teenage mantra of “I’m bored” as a ministry moment. Seriously, not taking control of your boredom can destroy your life. Teenagers often think boredom is a mysterious force that attacks them from an outer realm. Not so.

The big “I,” Christians should be on the lookout for it and keep it out of their lives.

paul