Last night on the way to my office I unexpectedly glanced at a student of mine who happens to be a Christian, with a cigarette between the fingers of his right hand, complaining to his friend. I had a strong impulse to approach and “rebuke” him. But perhaps the Holy spirit prompted me to pray for him instead.

This student, currently president of the student organization in some department, is nice, enthusiastic and ready-to-serve person. He was class leader as I taught him English in his freshman year. He discussed the holding of a daily prayer meeting on campus with me. For some unknown reason, the plan was aborted.

I know he is successful in arranging meetings and holding various programs. Probably most students think he an incredible leader. But I suspect his spirit is growing in poverty. In 1Samuel 16:7 the Lord said, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.” For Christians we could run empty in the soul and heart if we don’t draw near to God. If we don’t read his Word and pray to Him every day, we will puff up as soon as we are prosperous without giving glory to Him and start complaining where God is once we fail terribly.