1 Thessalonians 5:6

There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Among others, let me strongly advise Christians to talk together about the ways of the Lord. Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to themselves, “To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us engage in good conversation.” Christian asked, “Brother, where shall we begin?” And Hopeful answered, “Where God began with us.” Then Christian sang this song—

“When saints grow sleepy, let them come here,
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Indeed, let them learn from them, in any way,
Thus to keep open their drowsy, slumbering eyes.
Saints’ fellowship, if it is managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell.”

Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone are very likely to grow drowsy. Keep Christian company, and you will be kept awake by it, and refreshed and encouraged to make faster progress on the road to heaven. But as you thus take “sweet counsel” with others in the ways of God, take care that the theme of your conversation is the Lord Jesus.

Let the eye of faith be constantly looking to him; let your heart be full of him; let your lips speak of his worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and you will not sleep. Strive to impress upon yourself a deep sense of the value of the place to which you are going.

If you remember that you are going to heaven, you will not sleep on the road. If you think that hell is behind you, and the devil pursuing you, you will not loiter. Would the manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood behind him, and the city of refuge before him? Christian, will you sleep while the pearly gates are open—the songs of angels waiting for you to join them—a crown of gold ready for your brow? Ah! no; in holy fellowship continue to watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation.