Being On Guard

I’m the typical guy when it comes to being on guard when we go places. I like to sit facing the door so I can keep an eye on who’s coming and going. I’m looking for exits in any location. I’m making eye contact with anyone that may seem suspicious to let them know they’re seen. If I feel like we’re being followed or that someone is too close, I will put my hind just under my shirt behind my back to let them know if they try something, I’m not going down without a fight. When were some place new, I’m on high alert. I’m praying nothing happens, but I want to be ready just in case. Meanwhile there are people walking around not paying any attention to their surroundings.

If I’m that vigilant when I walk around, how much more vigilant and on guard should I be spiritually? 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour” (AMP). Sometimes we forget that we are in a spiritual battle as we walk around in the physical. We fail to be on guard when we get up each day. God told Cain that since was crouching at his door waiting waiting to rule him. I believe it’s waiting at each of our doors too. It’s why we must be on high alert each day. Our enemy wants to devour us and to trip us up. Meanwhile there are so many people walking around not paying attention to it and fall into sin.

In Ephesians 6, God gave us the tools we need in order to be prepared for an attack of the enemy. Verse 11 says, “Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” He gave us the Helmet of Salvation to protect our mind and thoughts. The Breastplate of Righteousness to protect our heart. The Belt of Truth to guard against the lies of the enemy. The Shoes of Peace to protect us from the chaos the enemy brings into our lives. God had also given us the Shield of Faith to protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Finally, He’s given us the Sword of the Spirit to fight back and take ground. It’s time you and I were on guard each and every day so we can walk in victory.

Photo by 2H Media on Unsplash