PRAYERS AND GOOD WORKS (2 Tim. 3:3-5)

It is easy for many to pray for one. It is harder for one to pray for many. Yes, we should ask for the prayers of others but when we do so we must never become idle ourselves or run unto a life of wickedness.

Great is what prayer can do but we also have to work. God may desire to save us but would never lead us to sloth. Thinking that salvation is all God's work, we might just sleep. No. Salvation demands our cooperation: ". . .that you do and will do the things which we command you." Keep this in mind. . .that God would not want to lead us to slothfulness by believing that everything depends upon the power of God.  Yes, we must cast everything upon Him but also, ourselves working, embark on the labors and conflicts that the Gospel entails.

"Direct your hearts into the love of God." For many things turn aside our love from God -- mammon, vainglory, affliction and temptations.

We need God's help as a wind to impel our sail towards love of God. Not by words do you say, "I love God." Show it with your works.

Love Him more than money by despising money . . . because we are demanded to despise even ourselves. How can we despise ourselves if we don't despise money?

So, direct your hearts, ". . .unto the patience of Christ." We should endure as He endured. We should do things with patience. We should wait for Him patiently.  Patience always implies afflictions. . .i.e. to endure and not to be troubled.  

(01-21-04)