But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36
“Remind yourself every day that now is in our hands, but tomorrow is in the hands of God, and that He Who gave you this morning has not bound Himself with the promise to give you the evening too. Refuse to listen to the devil when he whispers to you: give me now, and you will give tomorrow to God. No, no! Spend all the hours of your life in a way pleasing to God; keep in your mind the thought that after the present hour you will not be given another and that you will have to render a strict account for every minute of this present hour. Remember that the time you have in your hands is priceless and if you waste it uselessly, the hour will come when you will seek and not find it. Consider as lost a day when, although performing good deeds, you have not struggled to overcome your bad tendencies and desires.”
Unseen Warfare: The Spiritual Combat and Path to Paradise of Lorenzo Scupoli, edited by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and revised by Theophan the Recluse, translated by Crestwood: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1987) 127-128.
Five phrases struck me from this post: (1) “remind yourself every day,” (2) “refuse to listen to the devil,” (3) “spend all the hours of your life,” (4) “remember that the time you have in your hands is priceless,” and (5) “consider as lost a day when, although performing good deeds, you have not struggled to overcome your bad tendencies and desires.” So good! So rich!
We must remind ourselves every day to live today for God to the fullest and not worry about tomorrow or listen to whispering of the devil. We must spend each priceless moment for God and struggle to overcome the tendencies of the flesh so we live by the Spirit and produce the fruit of generosity. Father, help us do our part, for we know You will faithfully do Yours. Amen.
I leave for Egypt in about 24 hours. Pray for safe travel and fruitful ministry. Each trip I take I write a report for the GTP board, regional facilitators, staff, and supporters for accountability. Similarly, Jesus reminds us that we will all have to give an account. God help us not waste any words or moments but make the most of each conversation and opportunity. Amen.