There are many ways to stay spiritually awake. But let me strongly urge upon you one above the rest: talk with other believers about the ways of the Lord!

Remember Bunyan's pilgrims? As Christian and Hopeful journeyed toward the Celestial City, they came to a drowsy place. "To prevent sleep here," they said, "let us fall into good discourse." Christian asked, "Brother, where shall we begin?" And Hopeful answered perfectly: "Where God began with us."

Then Christian sang: "When saints grow sleepy, let them come and hear how these two pilgrims talk together. Let them learn to keep their drowsy eyes open. Saints' fellowship, when managed well, keeps them awake in spite of hell!"

Hear me! Christians who isolate themselves, who insist on walking alone, are terribly liable to spiritual drowsiness. Hold Christian company! You will stay wakeful. You will be refreshed. You will make swifter progress on the road to heaven.

But as you take this sweet counsel with others in the ways of God, take care that your conversation centers on the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith constantly look to him. Let your heart be full of him. Let your lips speak of his worth.

Friend, live near the cross, and you will not sleep.

Labor to impress yourself with the glory of where you're going. If you remember you're going to heaven, you will not sleep on the road. If you think that hell is behind you and the devil pursuing, you will not loiter. Would a manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood behind him and the city of refuge before him? Would he?

Christian, will you sleep while the pearly gates stand open? While the songs of angels wait for you to join them? While a crown of gold sits ready for your brow?

Ah! No! In holy fellowship, continue to watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.