“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. “ Matthew 26:41
“If it feels right to you, do it”, says popular culture. What a contrast to the words of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane on the night He would be betrayed and sent to be crucified. Jesus warned His disciples who were with Him to watch and pray because Jesus knew difficulty and temptation would be introducing themselves like unwelcome guests in short order.
Not long ago, I was tempted to fall into the pit of envy. Someone shared some good news that was happening in their life. I was happy for them, but to be honest, a little jealous also. I realized this immediately and knew I was faced with a choice. Will I let this little seed of jealousy grow and become envy and lose the pleasure of simply being happy for a friend. I was faced with a choice, and I chose to be happy for them. I found that praying for them and thanking God for these opportunities He was bringing to them, loosened the jealousy that was brewing in my heart. I think this might, at least in part, be what Jesus was talking about in the ‘watch and pray’ of this verse. I noticed and I prayed, and I was free!
Along the path of life, there are all kinds of challenges that can become a temptation. We will only spot them as we “watch and pray” as Jesus reminds us. Watching is critical because there are no shortage of obstacles ahead for us to trip over.
The devil, our adversary, loves when we complain, judge, brood, curse... there is a long list of what makes his day. They come to us in the form of temptation. We all trip and fall at some point but we can trip and fall a lot less if and when we put the words of our Lord into practice.’ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’
Dear Father,
Thank you for these words of warning You gave us. Help me daily to put this into practice. I need to watch and pray for I know that I have a formidable foe, the devil, who would love to see me fall. Thank you, Father,
In Jesus Name
Amen