Daily Reflections on Phil. 2:12-13 (Practicing His Presence)

In school, my classmates and I always looked forward to the days we had a substitute teacher. There was no organized plan, but everyone knew just what to do. It was an in school vacation day. Since our sub never knew our class rules, we’d make them up as we went along. We knew that we couldn’t be too outlandish or the sub would catch on and batten down the hatches. But, if we worked it right, we could get away with a lot of stuff that normally would be prohibited. We weren’t destructive or cruel, just looking to make life a little easier.

How does that saying go, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play?” When the authority isn’t looking, we take a lot of license. It’s amazing the difference of our speed on the same stretch of road when we notice the speed trap versus when no cops are in sight. I’ve played golf with guys whose best wood in their bag was a pencil. When you keep your own score, you can write down anything you want. You might call this a “scratch” golfer because they scratch out one score and write in a better one.

Many professed followers of Christ do the same thing in their spiritual walk. When they’re at church or Bible Study or a spiritual retreat of some sort, they are so focused on learning, listening and doing what God wants. But away from those environs their behavior changes. Focus is lost. Godliness or holiness slips from view and thought and behavior. They find themselves blending into their surroundings.

Without accountability by others, many believers in Christ lose sight of their faith and the principles by which God calls us to live. It’s really a matter of personal discipline. The “Out of sight, out of mind” mentality is deadly for a Christian. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to be vigilant in our faith. He urges us to practice our faith more diligently when we’re away from our Bible studies and church gatherings. He says open yourself to God’s leading and teaching throughout your day. Rely on His Holy Spirit to live to His glory.

God, if I could only learn to practice your presence day by day, moment by moment I know you’d be able to form me after your will. I’m trying, Lord. Sometimes I get so preoccupied by life’s circumstances and stresses that I forget about you. I act as if you’re not there or not watching. I want to grow in this area.