A well-known verse quotes the words of the Lord Jesus: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Jesus said this in the context of the Garden of Gethsemane when He took some of the disciples to the moment known in the life of the Lord Jesus as “His agony” because it was on the night that He was betrayed and arrested. His soul was full of sadness until death. Let’s remember that the Lord Jesus, being God, was here as a man. He felt the tension of everything that was about to happen. It was a physical and spiritual battle that was about to occur that night. The correct thing was for the disciples to watch over Him, but they fell asleep, and therefore He amended the phrase of this verse.

So, here are lessons for our lives about the importance of watching (along with praying). Being ready as a guard who needs constant attention concerning spiritual attacks is necessary. The temptation is sly; at all times, we are tempted (even in moments of peace). Do you have a recurring thought that comes to your mind like “do this” or “do that”? So, here is the solution: watch and pray. Keep an eye out not to lower your guard and pray that God will cleanse your heart, take this thought out of your life and for you to stay away from what is wrong.

Often, when the person’s spirit becomes weak, they give in to the desires of the flesh. The disciples gave in to the flesh because they were tired, leaning under a tree and sleeping. But their spirit in the background knew: “Jesus is anguished”. That was no secret because the Lord Jesus himself spoke. What do you do when a friend is like this? Do you turn your back? No. You will help the person (even more if this person is Jesus). The flesh gets tired; it asks for things. Therefore, God gave us a spirit so that it would rule the flesh.

This is the reason why your spirit needs to be ready. And if it’s not prepared, you need to change your spirit. God speaks in His Word: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).

So, what are you doing to strengthen your spirit, which is the captain of your body and soul?

Reflect on this message through the video above.