"I ought to pray before seeing any one. Often when I sleep long, or meet with others early, it is eleven or twelve o'clock before I begin secret prayer. This is a wretched system. It is unscriptural. Christ arose before day and went into a solitary place. David says: ‘Early will I seek thee'; ‘Thou shalt early hear m y voice.' Family prayer loses much of its power and sweetness, and I can do no good to those who come to seek from me. The conscience feels guilty, the soul unfed, the lamp not trimmed. Then when in secret prayer the soul is often out of tune, I feel it is far better to begin with God—to see his face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” (Robert Murray M'Cheyne)
A man may measure himself in many ways. If he wishes to measure himself as a believer he need go no further than his knees. “What a man is on his knees before God, that he is—and nothing more” (Robert Murray M’Cheyne)
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
It is important to find the true and honest weight of our lives. The problem lies within our human judgment. The way we see ourselves does not balance with the way God sees us from within His Sanctuary. Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul warns us not to think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3 paraphrase mine).
If we are Christians, then the reason for this measurement is to determine our readiness for war. The elite warriors of the ancient Roman Empire were called the triarii. When these combatants were engaged with the enemy, they had one duty: take the two feet of ground in front of them, clear it, then advance.
Whether we admit it or not, each of us lives in a combat zone. Around us the war rages unseen as the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness try to prevent the furtherance of the Gospel. When we became a member of the family of God we also became combatants in this eternal battle for the souls of men. The war ensues whether we like it or not. Our only choice is whether or not we will be vanquishers or victims. In war there are only the quick and the dead; heroes and cowards; conquerors or casualties.
If we choose vanquishers, heroes and conquerors, then this requires preparation, training, and vigilance. The price of combat readiness is high! It will cost you everything! However, your sacrifice will bring with it the great rewards of perseverance and endurance.
In wartime, communication is the difference between life and death. As a Combat Christian you will engage in the daily war for the souls of the lost so do not forget that “A man is no bigger than His prayer life” (Arthur Wallis—Prayer Warrior). Remember, warrior, our lives in Christ Jesus began with a prayer. Prayer is not a liturgical activity (a prescribed ritual for public worship). Prayer is not a ritual (a ceremonial or solemn act). Prayer is a relationship between you and the Father, because of the Son and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Prayer is the most important weapon of combat in the Christian arsenal. Yet it languishes for lack of use. Prayer ought to be the first weapon drawn NOT the tool of last resort. We cannot be of much use to the King as a warrior if our muscles are atrophied. The only way to ensure their fitness is to engage in a well planned program of training!