{Alert | Day 13 of 31}

Ready? GO.

“The enemy celebrates lethargic Christian living . . . don’t be lulled to sleep.” When I read that during my study time, I had a moment. Don’t be lulled to sleep. Lethargic christian living. Ouch. It feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it? Like the church is a sleeping giant in America lulled into lethargy by the ideas and customs that have become acceptable in our culture. Oh, we’re busy, but with what? The truth is that the enemy does a fabulous job of distracting us. Sometimes, he doesn’t have to do much because we make it easy. We do. But, Scripture tells us to be alert. Take a look at these reminders in 1 Peter.

So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit--steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13, AMP)

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.   (1 Peter 5:8, AMP)

The good news is that God never meant for us to figure it all out on our own. We have access to everything we need to live a vibrant, victorious, and effective life through Christ. I love that. On my own, I fall way short, get distracted way too easily, and walk through life with my spiritual eyes half closed.  But Christ in me — now that’s another story. It’s another one of those prayers that He’ll always answer with a yes. I’ve learned over the years, I’m most spiritually awake when I’m intentionally engaged, when I’m actively seeking Him, and when I’m actively listening to Him in all things. I don’t want to do life without Him. I want to be in step with Him every moment. Every day. How about you? 

STOP.