Are You on Auto-Pilot?

I have a morning routine when I arrive at my office. After getting my laptop connected and turned on and other things situated, I sit at my desk and put on my reading glasses. Not thinking and not paying attention, I placed my reading glasses over my regular glasses. (Eye roll. Chuckle.) This morning I was on auto-pilot.

Do you ever find yourself living on auto-pilot? Not really thinking, not really paying attention, you just drift through life.

That’s not the best way to live life. That is a terrible way to live a Christian life.

Offering practical advice that applies to every aspect of life, Solomon pointed to the ants that work diligently for provisions. He warned…

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest, and

poverty will come upon you like a robber;

your need, like a bandit.

—Proverbs 6:10-11 (HCSB)

The simple point is that it is wise to be alert, think ahead, plan, and prepare, like the ants.

Jesus taught His disciples to be alert and ready in numerous teachings, such as, in...

• Matthew 24 & 25
• Mark 13:33-37
• Luke 12:37-40
• Luke 21:34-36

[I did not list these passages to prove a point, but in hopes that you will actually look them up, read them, and give them a little thought. It's worth the time.]

I knew of a preacher who carried brief notes for a sermon in his billfold in case he was needed on short notice; and a song leader who carried a preselected list of songs. Both men showed forethought. They were alert to the possibilities and prepared for an uncertain situation.

Near the end of several of his letters, the Apostles Paul urged his readers to be awake, sober, and alert. Check out the following Scriptures...

• 1 Corinthians 16:13
• Ephesians 6:18
• Colossians 4:2
• 1 Thessalonians 5:6 & 8

[Likewise, I didn't list these passages to prove a point, but in hope that you will look them up and read them and give them some thought.]

The Apostle Peter urged his readers:

Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

—1 Peter 1:13

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 

—1 Peter 4:7

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

—1 Peter 5:8

There may be times in which you are just trying to get through the day. The schedule is full, life’s challenges are many, circumstances are not working out satisfactorily more than they are. You might shift into auto-pilot just to get through. Even so, God expects us to be awake, alert, sober-minded, and ready for action.

You may need to respond to spiritual danger, or respond to needs, or pray. You ought to be alert to opportunities to let your light shine.

Jesus offered:

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

—Matthew 11:28

And yet, that did not mean for us to check out and go to sleep spiritually. Finding rest in Jesus actually gives you confidence so that you can boldly live in service to the King.

If you’ve been on auto-pilot...isn’t it time you wake up? 

Be watchful. 

Be ready. 

He’s coming back!


Mark Stinnett

November 26, 2023