Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon – Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2011.
“You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
There are many ways of promoting Christian alertness. Among the many ways, let me strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord. In John Bunyan’s classic book “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” the characters named Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to themselves, “To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into deep discussion.” Christian inquired, “Brother, where shall we begin?” And Hopeful answered, “Where God began with us.” Then Christian sang this song:
“When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Yea, let them learn of them, in any wise
Thus to keep open their drowsy slumbering eyes.
Saints’ fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell.”
Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone are likely to grow drowsy. Keep company with fellow Christians and you will be kept wakeful, refreshed, and encouraged to make diligent progress on the road to heaven. But as you enjoy fellowship with others, take care that the theme of your conversation is the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith be constantly looking to Him, let your heart be full of Him, and let your lips speak of His worth.
Friend, live near to the cross, and you will not sleep. Labor to meditate, with a deep sense of the value, about the place you will someday be going. If you remember that you are going to heaven, you will not sleep on the road. If you are aware that hell is conspicuously near, and the devil pursuing you, you will not dawdle. My friend, will you sleep while the pearly gates are open, with the songs of angels waiting for you to join them, and a crown of gold ready for your head? Certainly not! So in holy fellowship continue to watch and pray that you will not be led into temptation.
Questions: Are there times of life where you become complacent or unaware in your spiritual journey? How does Spurgeon suggest that you guard against this tendency?
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/04/09/cs_alert-and-self-controlled/
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