“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:4, ESV
Oswald Chambers says the remnants of the earthly life are apt to make us slovenly. “Slovenliness is an insult to the Holy Ghost,” he says in My Utmost for His Highest.
“There should be nothing slovenly, whether it be in the way we eat and drink, or in the way we worship God.”
Ouch! When I study historical Christian writings while homeschooling my daughters, I come across many more warnings against idleness and slovenliness than I do in modern writings and teachings. Hmm . . . By nature, I’m a pretty lazy person. Gluttonous, too, if I’m fully honest. While I’m praying for Christians facing horrifying persecution around the globe, I can actually be distracted by anything that causes the slightest discomfort while I pray.
Can you?
Lord God, forgive my slovenly focus on comfort and worldly things. Give me a heart that’s devoted to heaven.
More later . . .
Author Mary E. Hall 