Alertness vs. Carelessness Part 1

Alertness: quick to perceive and act

1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

We must be serious or solemn (sober), and circumspect or watchful (vigilant) in our lives. The 1828 Webster Dictionary defines sober-mindedness as "Calmness; freedom from inordinate passions; habitual sobriety." Vigilance is defined as "Guard, watch."

I have heard it said that the mind is the playing field and the imagination is the trophy. That is Satans' goal. To capture your imagination, and take you captive in your own mind. If allowed to have such power, he can influence your life to his way of thinking, which is against God. He is yours and my adversary. He is like a roaring lion, ready to tear you in pieces and devour you.

Beware, for Satan does not always appear to be such a frightful being. In 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 it says, "But what I do, that I (Apostle Paul) will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." Sometimes he will appear as a seemingly friendly person or object. What do I mean when I say object? Simply this. If that object becomes a life dominating, influencing force, and it is not within Scriptural bounds, and it leads you down the wrong path, then Satan has won.

What influences you?

What do you read?

What and who do you listen to and hang around?

Who do you counsel with?

I'm not saying that everything or everyone you know is a bad influence. However, you must place those people and things against the Scriptures, and see if they match. If they do, then great. But if they don't, I would highly suggest that you watch how much time is spent with those people or things. Pray for those people that aren't living according to the commandments of God. Limit yourself to the time you spend with your hobbies, toys, and other worldly pleasures.

Carelessness: means to be negligent, taking insufficient care of.

Do not be careless (care-less). Remember, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

To Be Continued...