Moments and Days - Real Consecration - Sealed Orders Part 4

This is one in a series of posts, sharing the Sealed Orders devotions, day by day, from CMI 2010.  They are based on the "Consecration Hymn," Salvation Army Songbook #525

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Think about your biggest temptation:  your weakest area – the one thing that will most likely be your downfall.

What day of the week are you most likely to fall to this temptation?

Now, what time of day are you weakest to this temptation?

Where are you when the temptation is strongest?

Who are you with when temptation comes?  Are you alone?

Paul gives us some advice:  “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

If we know when, where and with whom the attack is most likely to come, we will be better prepared to defend against that attack.

Every moment we have is a gift from God – an opportunity for growth or failure.

If you are really serious about overcoming temptation, you can make a concerted effort to avoid one or more factors that make temptation so powerful in your life.  For instance, if you know you are especially vulnerable on a certain day, time or location, you can make a point to be in a different place at that time. 

If temptation hits when you are alone, make sure you are with a friend or a family member at that time.  If attack comes when or because you are with someone, you need to either change who you are with or invite a spiritual mentor to be with you during that time of weakness.

Challenge yourself to talk with someone you trust this week about a strategy to overcome your temptation.  Some advance planning can set you up for spiritual success.

Border Guard Part 4 – the Spirit

This post is in response to a comment from Randy:

“In my officership, I have had exactly two soldiers, one a retired officer, one a friend from another corps, who challenged my own spiritual development, asked what I was studying, where I was spiritually, even asked about my temptations. These individuals, one in my life still, helped shape my spiritual discipline, and I will be eternally grateful.”

Even though I have talked previously about areas of discouragement and temptations for an officer, I feel like this topic deserves its own post.

In the very busy life of a pastor, taking time to grow spiritually can be a difficult discipline.  There is an old addage that says, “People don’t do what you expect; they do what you inspect.”  While that applies primarily to supervising employees, I think that this same principle can help us understand how helpful we can each be to our Captains.

Here are a few ideas I have about protecting the spiritual border:

1. Find a regular time.  It is important to get alone (and quiet) with the officer.  You probably understand that there are times during the week which can be absolutely crazy for a pastor.   If you avoid those times, there is a higher chance of openness and transparency.  Maybe decide to meet for a soda at a local restaurant once every other week or so.
2. Ask open-ended questions.  Instead of saying, “Did you have your prayer time this morning,” ask “What are some insights God is giving you during your time alone with Him?”  Some of the best questions require some temple-scratching time to arrive at an answer.  Don’t make it too easy by allowing a “yes” or “no” response.
3. Listen.  Give time for a thoughtful response.  Taking time to listen can be difficult, because silence can be uncomfortable.  Therefore, resist the urge to fill the silence yourself.  Maybe your discussion has stumbled upon a sensitive area.
4. Grow together.  Suggest some books to read together.  This will add a much-needed fellowship aspect to the time together, in addition to the accountability of keeping up with a reading schedule.
5. Keep confidences.  When you are a Border Guard for your officer’s spirit, the conversation will turn to delicate subjects and weaknesses.   Whatever you hear across the restaurant table and coffee cups needs to remain there.  Your officer will quickly conclude that you are a person to trust with disappointment and struggle, as well as joys and triumphs.  This trust should also be mutual – you can share with each other with the certainty that it stays between you.  If you feel like an issue is getting bigger than you can handle between you, suggest bringing a carefully chosen third party into the discussion, as long as you can agree on who that is.
6. Maintain a prayer journal.  Interruptions come which can make the time between meetings longer than anticipated.  If you committed to pray for an issue, keeping a journal will remind you to pray about it between meetings and will prompt you to ask about it at your next meeting.

I also have had soldiers who served me by being interested in my spiritual life.  Those relationships can transcend any appointment, and will give you life-long friends throughout the Army.