One thing we must continually strive for is perseverance. We must be diligent on regular days, Sundays, and every other day. Perseverance in all things, especially those that are positive and pleasing to our Heavenly Father, and this is what proves our love for God.
If we only pray diligently for a moment, fast for a moment, or attend church diligently for a season, then stop for various reasons — that is not perseverance. God often tests how far we truly have perseverance. While praying, we may promise to live in holiness, without blemish or fault; we may commit to forsaking worldly desires. But after the prayer is done, do we keep our promises, our commitments, our vows, or pledges?
Afterward, we face many trials, temptations, and inner inclinations that go against the holiness of God, which is where perseverance is genuinely needed. While praying, our resolve may be firm not to hurt God’s heart, but afterward, we often deviate. That is why we must keep persevering. Perseverance must be built from within ourselves. We must not slack off.
When the Lord Jesus said, “Watch and pray,” He was essentially saying, “Be persistent.” In all situations, we must remain firm. Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). In prayer, our spirit is strong. The willing spirit urges us to declare promises, commitments, and vows. But without perseverance, we deviate and become unfaithful. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Therefore, we must persevere — working to put the flesh to death, meaning: not giving in to its desires. And that depends on us alone.
After finishing our prayers, we must stay alert and vigilant. Do not give in to the desires of the heart or the flesh, and for that, we need perseverance.
We were once people who were not pleasing before God, who did not truly live in the holiness He desires. There were compromises, from minor to major. But as we grow in the Lord, we increasingly realize and experience His holiness — and we strive to attain the holiness that meets God’s standard: to be perfect as the Father and to be like Jesus. By His mercy, we are continually led in that direction. We must press on, determined to reach the glory of God.
We must guard our mouths from excessive eating and manage our lives well, especially our words. Do not say anything inappropriate. Do not write even a single sentence or phrase on our gadgets that God disapproves of. Be silent, silent, and silent. Many things in life will prompt us to speak, but we must stay alert.
The Word of God says, “Watch and pray.” Prayer here does not only mean folding our hands or kneeling. Prayer is an unbroken dialogue with God — a continual conversation with the Lord that goes on throughout the day, because the Holy Spirit — who represents the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ — dwells within us. We can converse with Him at any time, and we can intensify our conversation.
Do not dwell on unnecessary or unworthy things. Do not harbour hatred, resentment, or bitterness. Do not think impure thoughts. All of this depends on us: whether we choose to dwell on holy or impure things, to extend forgiveness and love, or to hold on to grudges. We are the ones who must govern ourselves and our lives.