While traveling recently I observed a young husband and father pause to pray prior to enjoying his continental breakfast at the hotel. It gave me a good feeling to watch him do so.
While certainly not judging the motives of this man, it also brought a thought, or question, to my mind. How often do we do such things out of duty rather than desire? Many of us are taught from a very early age practices such as praying before a meal. Discipline is good for Christians. The word disciple is at the root of the word discipline. Discipline helps build good character. It helps us grow and mature when put to practice.
But when doing something purely out of duty, it is no longer a service or a sacrifice or a praise, but merely an obligation. Where is the glory in “giving thanks” if there really is no thanks? Where is the power in prayer if it is merely “what we do at an appointed time”?
Is it truly our heart’s desire to pray? Is our giving thanks really driven by gratitude swelling in our hearts? An active, loving relationship with God will produce such feelings and desires. Then our actions, even those that are disciplines will be pure, holy, and menaingful.
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