Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
On High Alert
When severe winter weather is predicted, we go on high alert and begin making appropriate preparations. We make sure we have plenty of groceries, fuel for the generator, ensure foundation vents are closed, charge the flashlights, etc. When we’ve done all we know to do, we simply hunker down and wait it out. I read about a World War II Army Ranger’s four-year experience on the front lines in Germany. This Missouri sharpshooter told about how the Rangers were highly trained and knew what to do in tight and unexpected situations. He mentions how every fiber of his being was always on high alert as his unit traveled on foot. They advanced cautiously, always watching and listening. The words, “retreat” or “quit” were not in their vocabulary. I was impressed with this war hero’s amazing bravery and strong tenacity.
There are ample reasons to be on high alert as we do life. Believers engage in spiritual warfare with the enemy of our souls every day. However, if we’re not paying close attention, we won’t even realize the danger that’s lurking in the bushes. This Ranger’s memoir reminded me of Apostle Peter’s teaching to the Christians then and now.
After we experience the new birth in Christ and a new way of living, that’s not all there is. Peter wants to encourage and caution believers to take heart and stay on high alert. “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset — rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world“ (1 Peter 5:8-9 AMP).
The devil will use depression, hopelessness, isolation, fear, unforgiveness, and lies to devour any Christian that’s asleep while on guard duty. There’s never a good time to be lazy in our Christian walk because that’s exactly what the devil is looking for. He’s patiently waiting for someone he can grab and destroy — but it doesn’t have to be you or me! Through Christ, we must take a decisive stand against Satan and resist his every attack with strong faith. If believers don’t know they have what it takes to overcome the devil, then there’s a good chance they’ll retreat.
Like Army Rangers, Christians need to be highly trained to know how to get the jump on the enemy. We need to read, study, understand, and put into practice the manual (Bible) regarding spiritual warfare. Here’s a key verse: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT). As God’s children, we have the authority to stand our ground and send the devil packing. We can’t allow the enemy to pull the wool over our eyes and let him yell his filthy rotten lies at us.
Believers are to, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. …Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…“ (Ephesians 6:11,13-14 NLT).
The Key: Stay on high alert 24-7, so you can stand your ground and defeat the enemy.