I often hear people say things like, “we don’t always need to be praying” or “it’s not like we always have to be talking about God.” The statement is often justified under the guise of fighting legalism. Now, I don’t expect that at every moment when with other believers we ought be in some kind of formal corporate prayer meeting. And I don’t necessarily think that we need always to be discussing specific attributes of God or even always his habitation in our lives. However, I feel convinced that we often use those statements, which can be generally true, as a means by which to follow our sinful desires away from God altogether.
1 Peter 4:7 says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” The apostle appeals to the urgency and seriousness of our condition as a means to say we ought to always be on the verge of prayer. At any moment, at the drop of a hat, ready to pray earnestly and fervently! Jesus says in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” In the condition of our flesh, he appeals to our need for God’s grace and therefore prayer. Our flesh is prone to evil and if left to our own devices we will surely fall under the temptations presented; Jesus prescribes our defense. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply, “Pray without ceasing.”
Taken objectively, these are relatively heavy words. Much seems to hang in the balance for us. Unfortunately, as mankind goes, things that infringe on our situational, relational and carnal comforts are generally undesirable. It appears that it is easier to turn them into highly quotable bible quips than allow them to cut us to the bone and radically alter the way we approach our lives and relationships. It bolsters our delusion that this dingy motel is in fact a small mansion in the suburbs.
I admit today that I am ashamed of myself and my conduct. I am a regular offender; the phrase, “I need to shift gears to pray,” is never far from my lips. What gear am I ordinarily in? I submit that it is not one of “sobriety of spirit.” Where is my mind and heart? Where have I become lax with my actions that my heart would fallow? What wickedness have I followed to find myself in such a dreadful “gear”?
I contend again that I am, we are, truly sojourners in this world! This is not our home, this is not our land! I protest our Christian cultures implication that there is any gaiety to the Word of God and this path we walk. We must take the words of our God with the immense gravity they carry; beat our flesh into submission and seek true satisfaction in the only place it is to be found! When the Word says anything, such as “pray without ceasing,” we must not change its meaning to justify ourselves in continuing in our own way!
William! Today you have heard his voice, do not harden your heart! Church, encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!
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