Vigorous Vigilance

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"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (Col 4:2)


Vigilance is indispensable for victorious Christian life. The enemy of God becomes our enemy when we decide to walk in God's ways. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Therefore we are warned in the Scriptures: "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy" (1 Pet 5:8). Apostle Peter, who wrote this, knew how his failure to be watchful in prayer in the Garden of Gethsamane led to his fall. He must have remembered the Words of Jesus: "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing, the body is weak" (Mt 26:41).

There are several reasons why we must stay alert. Deception abounds everywhere in Christendom. False prophets outnumber genuine ministers of God. Jesus forewarned His disciples, "Take heed that no one deceives you" (Mt 24:4; Mk 13:5). Prevention is better than cure.

We are basically selfish. We are naturally careful in safeguarding our interests, but not sensitive enough not to hurt anyone. Unless we are vigilant and careful we will easily become an offense to people. Jesus pronounced "Woe" to the ones who cause offense (Lk 17:1-3).

God has blessed us with gifts and graces. They are committed to our trust. Like good stewards we must guard them against loss and abuse. We must be extra-cautious over areas in life where we are weak. In His letter to the Church in Sardis, Christ warned, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die! (Rev 3:2).

King David's laziness and lack of vigilance led him to adultery and murder (2 Sam 11:1,2,14,15). Apostle Peter's failure to be watchful made him deny and even curse his loving Lord, just to save himself (Mt 26:40,69-75). The story of the five foolish virgins is the strongest rebuke on slackness and obliviousness (Mt 25:1-13).

Those active in God's work must beware of becoming too busy in blessing others to find time to take care of their own vineyard (SS 1:6). Prayer life will dwindle without a conscious and consistent effort to be watchful. Playfulness and watchfulness are inseparable companions. The Shula-mite woman's testimony should be ours too: "I sleep, but my heart is awake!" (SS 5:2).

The best way never to fall is ever to fear!  (William Jenkyn)


Courtesy : http://www.stanleyonbible.com/dd/daily_devotions.php

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