Watch & Pray

Alertness is exercising my physical and spiritual senses to recognize the dangers that could diminish the resources entrusted to me.

As a Christian, we have many things of value that if we do not exercise the character quality of alertness, may be stolen from us.

What Must We Protect?

1. Our time: Time is a valuable asset that attracts many robbers. (See Ephesians 5:16.)
2. Our health: Energy and vitality will be dissipated through immoral living. (See Proverbs 5:11.)
3. Our purity: Evil men and women prey upon the unsuspecting and defile the strength and wealth of their purity. (See Proverbs 6:26.)
4. Our fellowship with God: "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God." (See Isaiah 59:2.)
5. Our family and friends: Beware of whisperers, for they separate chief friends. (See Proverbs 16:28.)
6. Our good name: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." (See Proverbs 22:1.)
7. Our money and possessions: "A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches." (See Proverbs 11:16.)
8. Our eternal rewards: "Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (See Revelation 3:11.)

(taken from The Power for True Success)

Especially youth, who are today in a culture that seems to revolve around idolizing those few precious years, are extremely vulnerable to the temptations and vices of the world around them. Whether it be false prophets, bad company, rebellion or youthful lust, we are candidates to the strongest of temptations because as young people, we have the strength and stamina to carry out the work of Christ with energy and enthusiasm that we may never have again! Satan knows not only how shaping these years can be but how powerful they can be. What we are attempting to build, we can count on him attempting to tear down; what we are trying to protect, he is trying to destroy; what we are trying to save, he is trying to steal!

Ephesians 5:15 says, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise." Adults and youth alike, we must "guard our heart[s] with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life". Watch and pray! Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)