Many
people when they are first converted are fervent in prayer, but afterwards pray
languidly, coldly, and then without paying attention; this because they feel
secure. The enemy keeps watch and you are asleep.
Just
think for a moment, brethren, how easily you say of a certain man, ‘He is an
evil-doer, a scoundrel’. Look into your own heart in case you see wickedness
there. Are you not prepared to do yourself what you condemn in another?
Return
to your heart, there you will be alone with him who sees all things. Hate sin,
so that you may please God. Don’t cherish it, don’t think it over, rather
despise it and turn away from it.
Temptation
will suggest that sin can make you happy, it will threaten sorrow to tempt you
to evil; but all this is emptiness, and will pass away. Wicked suggestions can
come by thoughts or by evil conversations, and right living is easily
corrupted. Wherever they came from, throw them out of your heart, don’t pay
attention to them, don’t cherish them.
But
don’t add up your merits: we don’t come to Christ from righteousness, we have
all sinned, and it is by his inspiration that we accomplish the good he has
given us. We must remember what he commanded in his Gospel, ‘Pray without
ceasing’, and if you do not give up prayer you may be sure he will not forget
his mercy.
Psalm 46 passim
