How easy it is to falter. Our weak human nature doesn’t want discipline, doesn’t want hard work, doesn’t want the straight and narrow path. Oh, to just swing away our life in a great summer hammock and doze off to the crickets singing. It is so easy to be lulled away from our army post. We must resist.

Paul wrote this to the church in Colosse: “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5) “Good discipline” and “stability of faith” — these two can pull us back to reality.

When we get sloppy in our prayer life or negligent in our good works, discipline can put us back on track. When we forget the greatness of our God or become pessimistic and discouraged, faith can overcome our doubts. In fact, stable faith can even out the high and low places we encounter all along life.

Let’s remember that we are called to battle and this battleground (earth) is a very temporary place. Soon we will be called to an eternal furlough and our hammock will be more pleasurable and the crickets will sing a sweeter song. Time enough then for lulling and dozing.

For now–fight on!