SCRIPTURE:
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
Colossians 4:2
OBSERVATION:
Paul is encouraging the Christians to be alert; the Greek word literally means “stay awake.” The temptation, therefore, is to give in to the false teachings of the time; to stop preaching; to stop defending the faith; to become docile. The fight is now, and our lives are dependent on it. Some of us have forgotten that we are fighting a battle.
However, that is not what God has called us to do. We are called to be devoted to prayer, alert, and full of thankfulness. The key is “devote yourself to prayer.” Prayer connects us to the mind of Christ. Success in battle is predicated on our ability to stay awake and respond to the fight and not give into the sleeping pill of comfort.
APPLICATION:
C.S. Lewis in the book “Screwtape Letters” describes how demons lead you to hell by the most comfortable route possible so that you don’t turn to God. One of the schemes of the enemy is to quietly lead you down the path to hell unaware until you are feeling the flames on your back. However, God says remain vigilant, watchful; stay awake.
Therefore, I will devote myself to prayer for my family, ministry, and work. I won’t allow myself to fall asleep as in the hotel in Percy Jackson. I won’t eat the lotus flower. I will remain awake and fight the good fight by daily praying in the morning and throughout the day.
PRAYER:
Lord, would you guide me to never fall asleep in the fight but to be alert. Amen.
