Be Alert. Be Watchful. Be Ready.

Camping is one of those things that are high on my bucket list. Like real, real camping, not “glamping”. LOL. So, one of the things I’ve been checking lately are the many safety tips and lists that others have created based on their experiences. Some of the common themes I’ve seen are: use skin protection, stay up to date on weather changes, stay hydrated, keep your eye out for wildlife, and have first aid equipment available. All of these tips have something in common. They all are intended to keep you alert, watchful, and ready at all times. I mean who wants to get caught off guard in the middle of the wildlands??!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

There is literally so much going on in the world, and as Christians we must always be mindful and alert of what’s happening around us. The world is full of darkness in disguise, and the enemy is waiting to catch us off guard. This verse reminds us to be sober-minded. When we think of someone being sober we know they are not affected by a chemical substance such as alcohol or drugs. When a person is sober, they are fully aware of what is happening around them. In contrast, when a person is drunk, they lose all sense of self, the ability to make good decisions, and their vision becomes blurred. We put ourselves in a vulnerable position.

But why is it important that we are alert and watchful? Because the enemy is looking for someone to devour. We know that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10

Satan wants to steal our joy, our peace, and our destiny. He wants to kill our dreams, our hope, and our faith. He wants to destroy our trust in God, our foundation built on Christ, and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. The enemy is literally looking to take us out. He wants us to be lured away from the Word of God and instead live life based on our fickle feelings, and cultural standards.

If we are not alert, we can easily fall prey to the tricks of the enemy. When a camper goes out, they are always paying attention to their surroundings. The enemy uses small, subtle things to slowly grab our attention. He wants to trick us into believing that something is good for us, but in actuality, it’s not. Just think about sugar, upfront it usually looks good, and it tastes good, but the aftermath is not always the best. It can lead to many health issues. That is why we also call the enemy, a deceiver. He wants to cover up the truth with lies and our job is to expose him.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11

The enemy knows that if he can trick us into thinking that something else is better, then he can control our actions. He knows us, just as any other person would study their opponent. He knows our weaknesses, our strengths, what motivates us, and what excites us. If he can make us doubt God’s word for our lives, he can come in and try to persuade us that God doesn’t know best.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:6

If something is empty, it has no substance nor value. In this case, those empty words can leave us hopeless, prideful, and full of confusion. But God tells us to stick close to him. When we remain close to the Father, we cannot be deceived by the enemy because we can see clearly.  

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

In order to remain alert, we must stay in step with the Holy Spirit. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and not be distracted by the things of this world. We are here as God’s hands and feet to shine light on God’s kingdom, not build our own. The enemy will try adding and subtracting from God’s word just enough to trick us as he did in the Garden. So we must know the Word for ourselves. Listening to podcasts, watching online sermons, and attending church is great, but God wants us to have a personal relationship with him.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Staying in the Word of God is one way we can be alert and ready in all seasons. Another thing we must do is be prepared. Like the camper preparing for a trip, we must also be prepared for what’s to come. In order to prepare, we should be aware of ourselves and our areas of struggle. We must learn to stand on the word of God in all situations and practice self-control.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21

Satan is always lurking around waiting for the perfect opportunity to destroy our lives. His moves are sometimes so small that we can easily miss his plays if we are not paying attention. Our eyes can deceive us and cause a strain on our relationship with Christ. But we are called to Jesus by faith not by what we see.

And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Matthew 18:9

Whatever causes you to stumble, must be thrown out. We must get rid of anything that has scales over our eyes. When we are in sin, we cannot be prepared for the schemes of the enemy. For me personally, I have decided to pay more attention to what I watch and listen to. Although a show on TV may be very good, it can also be affecting how I feel which in turn can cause me to go down a slippery slope. If I am not careful I can end up somewhere I don’t want to be. Sometimes we wonder why we have certain thoughts and feelings and wonder where they come from. Be careful of the things you are consuming because once something is in you, it has the power to affect you. Remember the enemy is working overtime to gain your attention.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

How are you staying alert in a world of full of distractions?

🤎