“Then Jesus went out and made his way, as he customarily did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’” —Luke 22:39–40
While some people find routine to be boring, I often find it comforting. Routine was a part of Jesus’ life, too. In our verses for today we find Him “as he customarily did” on the Mount of Olives. He would routinely retreat to a solitary place where He could spend time with His Father in prayer.
There are certain spiritual disciplines that should be routine in our lives … and this is one of them. When we spend time with God and in His Word, we find focus and strength and clarity.
Scripture tells us:
“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.” —2 Timothy 2:15
“Pray continually.’ —1 Thessalonians 5:17
“In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.” —Psalm 119:11
In our verses for today, Jesus commands us to pray against falling into temptation. We must recognize and flee from whatever or whoever causes us to stumble and fall from the path God has chosen for us to follow. We are not to make excuses or try to justify poor choices when the Holy Spirit is clearly directing us to “Run!”, “Flee!”, “Don’t go there!”, or “Don’t do it!” When God shows us that something is wrong for us, it is wrong for us—no matter if it is acceptable for someone else. We must keep our eyes on our own paths! The conscience is a wonderful gift from God—pay attention to it!
Become More
“So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.” —Colossians 3:5–10
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place.” —2 Corinthians 2:14
Further Reflection
“Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.” —Ephesians 6:10–18