1 Peter 5:8

New International Version (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. 

For Meditation

If any command demands emphasis in the church today, it is alertness. Rapid events today suggest the imminent arrival of our Lord. The cynic will scoff, saying they have heard it before. The young and naïve will frown and say, “There they go again.” But the truth still stands: Christ is coming!

Jesus told us many times to be watchful and ready for the day of His coming (Matthew 24:42). For the sake of authentic Christian living (1 Pt. 5:8), the true believer cannot be complacent. The apostle Peter knows this well and speaks from experience (Mark 14:38, 66-72).

We must not take grace for granted by presuming God’s sovereignty and care for us and go to sleep. We have a weighty responsibility to stay awake, be alert, yield to the Spirit’s control, and be willing to live righteously, regardless of our difficult times.

Paul puts it this way:

“Be careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).

I have seen many young marriages deteriorate right before my eyes. They started well, and they loved each other. Against counsel, many young men leave their homes to make something out of their lives before uniting their families. Our priorities in life determine how we live. If other things are more important to us, the marriage will be undermined and becomes unstable. Such couples often divorce because each one thinks the other is the problem. They do not humble themselves before the Lord and surrender to His word that commands mutual respect, interest, and honor for God in the marriage. Interactions become bitter, and the children suffer. The couple is not “alert and of sober mind.” Hence, the devil devours their marriage (1 Pt. 5:8). You can multiply this phenomenon in every area of life. So allow me to ask you:

Are you disregarding the tiny flashing signals in your life? Can you hear the devil’s roar and guard against him (1 Pt. 5:8)? Can you keep the self dead with Christ and completely surrender to His will? Why not clothe yourself with Christ as your armor in your daily struggles and overcome for God’s glory (Eph. 6:10-18)?

Recognize that we are at war and that the battle is fierce. It isn’t an easy battle and certainly not going to get better. However, we can stand tall under the banner of Christ and declare God’s glory until He comes.

May you diligently watch the little foxes before they ruin the vine, understanding your indispensable role in your spiritual well-being.

Shalom