Let us not sleep...

Recently, I spent two weeks as a counselor at an amazing camp in Tennessee for inner city children/teenagers. It was an incredible time, and the Lord taught or impressed further upon me so many lessons. One of these lessons was the concept of “watchfulness.”

Matthew 26: 41 says, “Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This word “watch” literally means vigilant, expectant, and active. As defined by the Webster’s dictionary (of 1828), “forbearance (shunning, omitting, avoiding) of sleep; attendance without sleep; Guard; vigilance for keeping or protecting against danger; to observe in order to detect or prevent; unable to sleep.”

Do you see how important this word is in the spiritual sense? What happens when we let down our guard, when we “fall to sleep” spiritually? Temptation is able to take hold of us and gain ground. The enemy is able to ransack our own souls and the souls of those around us.

What would have happened if, even though we were all very tired, the rest of the counselors and I decided to “fall asleep” spiritually? What if we decided that we all needed some “veg out” time, and the campers could just talk about whatever they felt like talking about, do whatever they felt like doing, etc.? The work that the Lord was seeking to do in their souls would have been hindered, and temptation could have taken root within us, since we weren't on our guard against it.

“But know this, that if the good-man (or strong man) of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken into.” Matthew 24: 43

If we are not watchful, the enemy can gain access to our souls and the souls of those entrusted to our care.

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4: 2. 

One of the main excuses we can give for not praying is that we don’t have time or that we are too tired. If we don’t pray, we are not on guard against the enemy. One of our greatest weapons is prayer. If we “don’t have time” for prayer, what are we doing instead? Watching TV? Facebook? Movies? Idle talk with friends? Texting? We aren't being watchful. We are giving the enemy ground.

Or maybe we’re too tired for prayer and to keep watch with Jesus?

“You are the children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of the darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” I Thessalonians 5:6.

The word “sober” implies clearness, clarity of mind, no fogginess. We are not to be asleep or foggy-minded spiritually. We are to be constantly engaged, constantly watchful. The enemy will take every opportunity to plant a seed of temptation in our hearts if we are not watchful. Let us not allow one iota of darkness within our souls.

“Be sober; be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5: 8

How would all this apply practically?

                *We don’t “disengage” from the battle by “vegging out” in front of movies, television, Facebook, etc. Even if we do participate in these things, we are still alert spiritually with a focused mind. We are extremely watchful about what we partake in. Darkness gains ground in our souls subtly.

                *Tiredness does not rule us. If we are in Christ, we have the authority of Jesus. Therefore, our bodies are not our masters. They are subservient. And when we feel tired or like we just need a nap, we command our bodies to be subservient to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and call upon Him for His enabling grace. He will supply all we need for what He has called us to.

                *We don’t seek to “preserve” our energy for a later time. We pour out ourselves and all we are constantly, trusting that He will fill us back up.

                *Pray. No matter what we must sacrifice, no matter how much sleep we must give up, we seek Jesus in prayer. This is where true refreshment and renewal comes from. This is the only way we will be able to pour into others.

This probably seems impossible. It is. However, since He has called us to it, He has also given us the means to live it out. We can’t live this out. I knew very clearly last week that I had no human strength to live out this impossible calling. His grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 9: 8; 12:9; Philippians 2: 13; Romans 6-8). Let us lean upon Him, pick up our swords, and fully engage in this battle to see souls rescued for the glory of King Jesus!