1 Thessalonians 5:6(KJV)
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Apostle Paul urges us to be alert and sober as we see the day approaching and not to allow the day to creep up on us unawares or sleep as others do. In Paul’s last meeting with the Ephesian elders, he warned them to be on the alert. In his final encouragement in the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul commanded them to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong(1 Corinthians 16:13). The flesh, the world, and the devil are at work, so, as believers, we are to pay attention. We are to be like soldiers in active service, like shepherds watching over their “spiritual” flock, constantly vigilant and watchful because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Staying alert involves the duty of watchfulness that brings about frequent fellowship and communion with the Father in His Word. To be sober-minded is to live with our eyes open and with a calm, steady state of mind that assesses things correctly. It is an attitude of self-discipline that avoids the extremes of reckless irresponsibility. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Our world is full of temptations, trials, persecutions, and the call to remain constantly alert and not forget the dangers can never be overestimated. It is written in Matthew 13:24-25, “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” Our true enemy is on the watch to strike where he considers the most vulnerable point and moment. The devil has no regard for man; he is a true enemy of all believers. He always wants to do everything possible to hinder us from enjoying God’s blessings. Therefore, as believers in Christ, if we desire to cross the finishing line of our Christian faith, we must stay alert and be in constant prayer. So, we don’t wander into temptation without knowing we are in danger. Complacency or failure to watch and not being sober can be very dangerous indeed. It led to the sudden death of Samson. Sanballat and Tobiah, the enemies of the Jews, would have successfully terminated Nehemiah’s building project if not for watchfulness(Nehemiah 4). There is always a setback when we put comfort, ease, and pleasure ahead of duty and conviction. So, let’s be watchful of dangers that can erode and shipwreck our faith in Christ.
Beloved, uncertain times are here, don’t go to sleep, but be sober and vigilant. Know the devil’s tricks and resist him with the whole armor of God. Like Adam and Eve, you can easily get entangled in attractions that make the things of this world seem good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom. Let all your actions be guided by sobriety and watchfulness so that you don’t become a champion of yesterday. Live in the world, but never allow the world to live in you. Do not live your life carelessly; so, you don’t end up as a casualty. Be prayerful because the devil is working overtime to make you fall. Do all you can to avoid ungodly friendships or associations. It is crucial to watch your life, for the enemy moves about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Never let your guard down against the devil. You will not be a victim of the dangers of the end time in Jesus’ Name. Remember, satan is the enemy of your glory; when things begin to go well for you, he will want to destroy it.
O Lord, give me the grace to be watchful and prayerful, respond to every roaring threat of the enemy against me in Jesus’ Name.