Throughout the gospels, Jesus

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1 HONEYCOMB 3/3 (October 2002): Watch and Pray Neal YOUNGQUIST Throughout the gospels, Jesus firmly commanded his disciples to watch and pray. As the Good Shepherd, concerned for the imminent dangers confronting his sheep, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the need to guard our souls through watchfulness and prayer. The need to pray is obvious. But what does it mean to watch? In the original Greek text of Matthew 25: 13; Mark 13:33,37; and Luke 21:36 the phrase "to watch" conveys the need to give strict attention to; be cautious and alert: be vigilant: be sleepless: be on guard for fear that through laziness and looseness some destructive calamity will suddenly overtake one's life. 1 With this in mind, on what areas should we as Christians diligently focus? Three main areas deserve our attention: to watch agamst 1 [Ed. note: These verses use different words: YPTJYopEW in Matt 25:13 and Mk 13:37: aypu1tvew in Lk 21:36; I3A.E1tw and aypu1tvew in Mk 13:33.]

2 116 HONEYCOMB 3/3 (October 2002) temptation, to be on guard against false teaching, and to prepare ourselves for Christ's return. Watching Against Temptation Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak. " 2 Often we think that temptation is solely external to ourselves. But to misdirect our full attention toward outward attractions leaves us vulnerable to the temptations lurking within our hearts. James wrote, "Each one is tempted when, by Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov4:23 his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." 3 We must accept the fact that impure desires lie in wait within our hearts looking for opportunities of expression in various forms. The importance of this cannot be underestimated since Satan, our accuser and tester, is well acquainted with these latent shortcomings, and cunningly seeks to exploit them for his advantage and our destruction. Since the heart is deceitful beyond measure 4 many of these enticements often take on a subtle form: the persuasive urge to add to our temporal possessions; the consummate desire to position ourselves in the best light; a cunningness to dominate or manipulate people to our advantage; a hidden craving to feed our over-inflated egos: veiled hatred fueled by unforgiveness buried deep within our souls. Sadly, we underestimate our ability to deceive ourselves. Falling under sin's seductive influence we become its slaves at the expense of the vitality and fruitfulness of our spiritual lives. For this very reason Solomon, gifted with great wisdom although well experienced in falling prey to his own vices, urges us to "guard our heart, for it is the wellspring oflife." 5 'Matt 26:41. 'Jas 1:14. ~Jer 17:9. ;Prov 4:23.

3 Watch and Pray 117 Guarding our heart requires real courage to sincerely confront our inborn weaknesses. Such courage requires a consistent commitment to regular, humble self-examination through reading God's word and prayer. David's psalms exclaim the illuminating effect of God's inspired word-"the commands ofyahweh are radiant, giving light to the eyes" 6 and "the unfolding of your words give light; it gives understanding to the simple. " 7 As the word of God shines on receptive hearts it opens one's understanding to the areas of life that are in need of transformation. Revelation of the heart's condition is further magnified through fervent prayer. David cried out to his Creator to search and know his heart, to test and know his thoughts, to reveal any offensive way, and finally to guide him on the everlasting way. 8 Our travel on the road of righteousness, however, depends on the grace of God as well. The Apostle Paul, who encountered his own frustrations, recognized that personal resources were altogether insufficient to win the battle over the flesh. Victory is realized by reliance on Christ's redeeming work on the cross and the power of the Spirit of God in our lives. 9 It is God's abundant grace that "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age." 10 1lfy sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me Jn 10:27 ~.. i.iu... Lt!UJ. Watching Against False Teaching The early church was constantly encountering false teaching. Various heresies, doctrines, myths, and "different gospels" were secretly entering the church and silently eroding the fundamental values and faith of the Body of Christ. Recognizing the dangers of following such pleasant-sounding but wayward teachings, 6 Ps 19:8. 7 Ps 119: Ps 139:23, See Rom 'fit 2:12.

4 118 HONEYCOMB 3/3 (October 2002) Paul, Peter, Jude, John, and other church leaders of the day issued strong warnings to guard against deceivers within their midst. Discerning the dangers as well, Jesus admonished his disciples to "Watch out that no one deceives you" 11 and "Be on guard against the yeast [teaching] of the Pharisees. which is hypocrisy." 12 Today, very little is different from the times of the early church. Unsound doctrine, appealing to our carnal appetites. is ever present. With so much deception circling about us how can we keep true to the narrow road before us? A commitment to studying and meditating upon the truth of the word of God and hiding it within our heart is the first defense against heresy. Second, John exhorts us to not believe every spirit "but test the spirits to see whether they are from God... every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. " 13 And finally, cultivating an intimate relationship with the Lord through prayer and holy living will keep our hearts away from the crooked paths that lead to destruction. The more we know Him the better we can discern between truth and deception. Watching for His Return The timing and events surrounding Christ's return has been passionately debated since the ascension. No doubt, every age had reason to believe that Christ's return was imminent. Yet, our focus must not be diverted on determining the day or hour of the return. Rather, we are to keep alert, preparing ourselves when Christ does come again. The consequences of ill-preparedness are devastating. As with a guard asleep at his post, dangers abound for those who are consumed by the affairs of this world, unaware of the need to be spiritually ready. As demonstrated by the parables of the foolish virgins without oil in their lamps and the fearful servant who misused his single talent (ref. Matthew 25) the risks of negligence and faithlessness are too great to Ignore. 11 Mk 13:5. 12 Lk 12: Jn 4:1-3.

5 As children of the light we are to be ever ready, not like those who are "asleep" carelessly partaking in deeds of darkness. Like pilgrims passing through this world our activities must center on courageously investing our lives, talents, and resources for the Kingdom of God. We are to be engaged in transforming the temporal Watch and Pray 119 "No Regrets, No Remorse, No Retreat" nature of earthly things into an enduring quality for God's eternal kingdom. And, in doing so, to ready ourselves for the time when "the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and mortal with immortality."14 Christ is coming for ready servants awaiting and hastening his return; servants longing for a lasting home; servants enduring hardship rather than the fleeting pleasures of sin; servants perceiving and welcoming the eternal promises from afar; servants making every effort to be found spotless. All the more reason, therefore, for a commitment to watch over our hearts, guard our minds from errant teaching, and to be ready for Christ's second coming. Such a dedication. surrounded with the grace of God, will gain us a joyous entrance into God's eternal kingdom. With this in view, momentary struggles are worth it; short-term sufferings are bearable; difficulties give opportunity for praise. During our earthly sojourn may the pledge of a faithful servant in China ring true in our hearts: no regrets, no remorse, no retreat. Let that be our anthem as we live ever-watchful lives for God's glory! Cor 15:53.

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