Vigilance

<<alertness>>

“Watch yourselves closely so you do not forget [the lessons]…or let them slip from your heart…” – the core of your being which we are instructed to guard closely – “more than any treasure” – as attitudes and thoughts often become actions (Deut 4:9; Prov 4:23; Lk 12:15). We must closely monitor the input we allow into our lives.

Those rebuilding Jerusalem prayed to God and kept watch day and night – even after the completion of the walls there was an ongoing necessity for watchfulness (Neh 4:9, 7:1-3). This is the same advice given to the disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mt 26:41). We must be proactive, doing what we can yet also relying on God's protection as "Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain" (Ps 127:1). A vigilant person actively pays attention to what is vying for their attention and what will adversely affect their heart and mind.

The Bible warns, if we arrogantly think we are standing firm we may suddenly fall, so
be humble, grateful and careful (Rom 11:20; 1 Cor 10:12). After a spiritual battle or a significant milestone there can be a tendency to reduce our level of attention, thinking we

Keep your spiritual eyes open

are now less vulnerable as the opposition is over, yet we must always be disciplined and on guard so the subtle attacks of Satan do not catch us spiritually ‘napping’. Satan is always on the prowl, looking for our vulnerable spots, so ensure he is not given any footholds “For we are not unaware of his schemes” to shake our faith and make us ineffective followers of Christ (2 Cor 2:11; Eph 4:27; 1 Pet 5:8). We are not to allow ourselves to be influenced by anything that leads us away from God’s truth and sound judgment instead be watchful so not to be caught off guard, like a homeowner who is robbed by an opportunist thief (Mt 24:42,43).

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…Understand what the will of the Lord is.” Put on all the spiritual armour, ready for the spiritual attacks, “being alert and always keep on praying for all saints” (Eph 5:15,16, 6:10-18). We are to be aware of but not fearful of the enemy, allowing the peace of God to guard our minds (Phil 4:7). It is essential to protect the vulnerable areas where the enemy has attacked us in the past yet also be aware that we are not immune in any area, for even "the small foxes destroy the vines" (SOS 2:15).

Stand firm, being on guard against false teaching, so you will not be deceived and fall into error (Mt 16:11; Mk 13:5,22,23; 1 Cor 16:13; 2 Pet 3:17). Distorted and wrong teaching leads to heresy while wrong desires, taking hold, become persistent sinful habits and unwise personal relationships detract from your purity in Christ. Discernment is necessary to know what is of God and what is not. In accountability, accept comment from those who will truthfully speak into your life about potential dangers.