With our many hours at home, it’s easy to become lackadaisical in the mundane of life. I want to give the official definition of the word lackadaisical to illustrate better what I’m hoping to convey 

 

 “lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.” (Oxford Languages)

 

When time appears on our hands, we’re given a choice between two things: to use it or waste it. It’s important to point out the fact that using time to rest and being carelessly lazy with it are two different things. Rest produces energy while laziness produces nothing. 

 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)

 

Even though it feels like the world has hit the pause button, the enemy is still active. The devil is always active, but we’re more vulnerable than ever. With our lack of accountability and community, it’s easy to fall into the habits of laziness and carelessness. 

 

The days may seem like the same song on repeat, but the enemy is always looking for a new way into your mind and heart. So keep your heart attentive and your mind fixed on the things that are noble, lovely, right and true. 

 

The lion described here is very different than our Lion of Judah. This is representative of the lions in the colosseums that would wait for the Christians to begin running to chase them down for sport. Peter is using the metaphor to encourage Christians to stand firm, and though death may stare you in the face, stare right back, for nothing is more dangerous than exposing your blind side. 

 

So be attentive. Stand firm. Be fearless and courageous, for even when the world seems as if it’s at a standstill, the spiritual one is not. Run not from your troubles, but face them head on. Don’t be careless and lazy with your time, but produce. Be productive. Give your first fruits to the Lord. 

 

And remember, there are brothers and sisters going through the same suffering as you. Lend a hand when you can. Be a beacon of light and hope for weary folk. Remember always those running this race of life and faith with you, and encourage them to “be alert and of sober mind” in a world where the enemy is always on the move. 

 

Fear not the enemy of good, but stand guard of your heart and mind all the days of your life.