A Part Of You

Reading: Matthew 26; Psalm 22 “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.” (Matthew 26:41 MSG) Peter was a passionate “I’ve left everything” follower of Jesus. He was eager and ready for anything in God. But another part of Peter was weary and fearful and even a bit lazy. During this terrible night of betrayal and torture, that “other part” of Peter got the upper hand. He slept when he should have prayed, and he denied knowing Jesus when he should have put his life on the line for his friend. The good news is that Jesus forgave him, restored him, and powerfully filled him with the Holy Spirit. He stayed faithful to his Lord, and eventually even faced prison and death for his crucified and risen Master and friend. Like Peter, there’s a part of me that is eager and ready for anything in God. But like Peter, there’s also a part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire. It takes some intentionality and hard work to keep the lazy dog from getting the upper hand. For me it takes:
• Spiritual discipline in daily devotions, journaling, and prayer.
• Honest evaluation of attitudes and actions and quick repentance when required.
• Living from my true self rather than from the mixture of self-interest and emotional ups and downs I deal with daily.
• A couple of close, truth-telling friendships, so that I’m regularly brought face to face with what I’m not ready to acknowledge on my own. Do you find that a part of you is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire? What’s your plan to live out of the “eager and ready for anything in God” part of your nature? Prayer:

Father, Please forgive me for letting the lazy old dog get the upper hand too much and too often. Thanks for daily reminders from your word to live from the part of me that is eager and ready for anything in God. I purpose to do better! Thanks for the privilege of following you. Amen.