Watch Out

Matthew 26:41 – Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The most basic of self-defense courses will teach “be aware of your surroundings” as one of the foundational principles of keeping yourself safe. Not only do you need to be aware of what dangers are lurking, but at the forefront of awareness, we should also know where to seek help. Know not only the hazards, but also what people, places, and items in your environment are possible sources of aid. At all times and in all places, we need to watch out.

Jesus, in Matthew 26:41, teaches that we should “Watch and pray that we may not enter into temptation.” One of the biggest spiritual battles on all the Earth is fought right inside your own heart. There are indeed all sorts of temptations in the world that threaten your relationship with Jesus. We might not set out to turn away from the Lord, but if our eyes become focused on the wrong things, we can stray from the path and become lost before we may realize our peril. When setting out on a journey, you’ll miss your destination by many miles if you’re off even just one degree. We must always be on our guard and watch out. Let us not stray from the path. Let us resist temptation and walk in all of the footsteps of Christ to reach our spiritual destination. Furthermore, as Christians, we get to watch out in a different way. We watch for Jesus to come again. We have confidence and assurance that God will hold true to His promise to return (John 14:2-3). For those in the faith, we know that this will be the time that the King of Kings will usher in His eternal kingdom and continue to reign for all eternity. Watch, you’ll see the Son of Man coming on a cloud (Matthew 24:30). Watch, you will see every creature giving glory to the Lamb (Revelation 5:13). Watch, you will see paradise. As God’s people, the only things you won’t see are suffering, pain, and the enemy’s presence and threat to do you harm. All this is because you are not the only one watching. God is watching out for you!