Understanding the times in which we live is a spiritual matter, not merely a grasp of world events, politics, or economics. Jesus faulted the Pharisees for their inability to interpret the signs of the times, as they sought clear actions or miracles while failing to see what was before them. In contrast, the men of Issachar, as described in I Chronicles 12:32, understood the times and knew what Israel should do. Paul urges us in Romans 13:11 to know the present time, emphasizing that it is a critical moment to act wisely in faith without needing an audible voice from above. This present age is marked as an evil time, from which Jesus died to rescue us, according to Galatians 1:4. The world, with all its cultural systems, is hostile to God and opposed to godliness, as Jesus Himself warned His disciples about the world's hatred. Paul reinforces this in I Corinthians 7:29, stating that the time is short and the world system is temporary, urging us to avoid its foolishness and live as God desires. The superficiality of society is fleeting, like a stage play that lasts only a short while. Romans 13:11 further highlights the urgency, noting that the present Babylonian world system faces a catastrophic end, and for God's people, this is a time of judgment and grace. It is a time to repent, turn to Christ, and serve Him, as the opportunity will not last forever. Paul calls for overcoming sins and weaknesses, living righteously, resisting temptations, and being forgiving because the time is short. Understanding the present time means recognizing it as an evil age, distinct from God's Kingdom, and using our limited time wisely. Jesus clarified in John 18:36 that His Kingdom is not of this world, and as followers, we are part of God's heavenly Kingdom, not bound to this world's systems, which are under satan's influence. The decline of cultures, evident in Western society, reflects a rejection of Christ, accelerating degeneration through self-centeredness and relativism. Yet, this evil age is also the time when God has acted through Christ for salvation. II Corinthians 6:2 describes now as an acceptable time, a day of salvation for the church, urging us to seek the Lord while He may be found, as the window of opportunity is closing. Discerning the times requires being led by God's Spirit to see the truth of what is happening and what He is doing. It involves growing in the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—to distinguish truth from falsehood. Paul's wake-up call in Romans 13:11 warns against a life of moral carelessness and lack of discipline, likening it to sleep. Many who profess faith are spiritually asleep, failing to live out the law of love or be active for God. We must awake because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed, our time is slipping away, and we have no right to sleep when there is work to do as God's witnesses. Our enemies are awake and working, and there is something worth waking for—meaningful work in proclaiming the Savior who lifts people from darkness to light. Discerning the times begins with fearing the Lord, the foundation of wisdom and knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 111:10. In Christ are hidden all treasures of wisdom, according to Colossians 2:3, and with faith and reverential fear, we recognize God as the righteous Creator. The urgency to awake and act is reinforced by the shortness of time before Christ's return and the nearness of our personal end, compelling us to live for God, redeem the time we have, and make the most of every opportunity in this evil age.