C.S. Lewis wrote: "The safest road to hell is the gradual one  the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil." Another has said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Most of us need to be shaken out of our lethargy in living the Christian life. It is so easy to be lulled to sleep, and the devil is well versed in crooning the lullabies of contentment. "Take thine ease," he sings. "You have done your part," he warbles. And we are so taken in with his flattery.

Yes, the road to hell for the fallen children of God is a gradual one. The way is unmarked, and one becomes lost is unfamiliar territory. In middle years, one is easily lost, either in prosperity or in adversity. It makes little difference to our adversary. He will claim us in either condition.

When one does not feel so well and has lost that "get-up-and-go" feeling, it is then the tempter begins to call on us. Then is the time to take "the sword of the Spirit" and wield it wisely. Recall the warning given to the church in Smyrna, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). The reward is for the faithful!

Brother Paul, who suffered so much for his Lord, reminded the Corinthian church, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).

Hang in there, fellow-servants. Do not be lulled to slumber-land by Satan. Keep on toiling in service to your Lord, because, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God" (Heb. 4:9).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 2, p. 15
January 20, 1994