The Call to Watchfulness
Jesus often spoke about the importance of staying alert. In Matthew 24:42, He gives us this clear instruction: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This wasn’t a suggestion—it was a command. As believers living in increasingly uncertain times, this call to watchfulness has never been more relevant.Think about how a night watchman in ancient times had one primary task: to stay awake while others slept, watching for both danger and the return of his master. Today, we serve a similar role in a spiritual sense. While the world remains distracted or spiritually asleep, believers are called to maintain a state of readiness and expectation.
What Does Biblical Watchfulness Look Like?
Biblical watchfulness is more than just scanning news headlines for signs of the end times. Scripture reveals several dimensions of true spiritual watchfulness:1. Aware of the times “He said to the crowd: ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does… You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?'” (Luke 12:54-56)True watchfulness includes understanding the season we’re in through the lens of Scripture, not through fear or speculation.2. Alert to spiritual dangers “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)Watchfulness means maintaining spiritual discernment about influences that could pull us away from faithfulness.3. Active in purpose and mission “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)The watchful servant doesn’t simply wait passively but works diligently while there is opportunity.4. Anticipating Christ’s return “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)Our watchfulness is ultimately about living with joyful expectation of Christ’s promised return.
Signs of Spiritual Drowsiness
How do we know if we’re becoming spiritually drowsy rather than watchful? Scripture identifies several warning signs:
- Distraction by worldly concerns: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)
- Complacency in spiritual habits: “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)
- Love growing cold: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)
- Isolation from other believers: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Practical Ways to Stay Alert
Staying spiritually alert isn’t complicated, but it does require intentionality. Here are five practical steps:1. Develop a consistent prayer life Jesus warned His disciples in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41). Prayer keeps our spiritual senses sharpened and our connection to God strong.2. Saturate yourself in Scripture “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Regular Bible reading helps us recognize truth from deception and provides clarity in confusing times.3. Maintain fellowship with other believers “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). When we begin to drift spiritually, godly friends can help restore our focus.4. Practice spiritual self-examination “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Regular spiritual inventory helps identify areas where we may be growing complacent.5. Live with eternal perspective “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2). When we view current events and personal challenges through the lens of eternity, we maintain proper focus.
The Blessing of Watchfulness
Jesus didn’t call us to watchfulness to burden us but to bless us. In Luke 12:37, He says, “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.”The watchful believer experiences:
- Peace amid uncertainty
- Purpose in daily living
- Protection from spiritual deception
- Preparedness for Christ’s return
- Power to influence others for God’s kingdom
Our Response in These Times
As events around us seem to accelerate and uncertainty grows, remember that God has positioned you in this specific time for a purpose. The watchful servant doesn’t panic, become paralyzed, or grow cynical. Instead, they remain:
- Faithful in their responsibilities
- Hopeful about God’s promises
- Active in sharing the gospel
- Discerning about cultural trends
- Ready for Christ’s return at any moment
Jesus concluded His teaching on watchfulness in Mark 13:37 with these simple words: “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'”Today, let’s recommit ourselves to being watchful servants—not out of fear, but out of faithful love for our returning King. In doing so, we’ll discover that watchfulness isn’t a burden but a blessing that brings focus and purpose to our daily lives as we navigate these uncertain times.Reflection Question: In what areas of your spiritual life have you been most alert lately, and where might you need to renew your watchfulness?
