Keep watch and pray,
Matthew 26:41 New Living Translation
so that you will not give in to temptation.
For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
We All Experience Temptation
We are all human; therefore, we all experience temptation. But it doesn’t have to take us unaware.
Watching Means Paying Attention
I remember a childhood ambition of being an international spy. It seems such a glamourous life; but as I matured, I realized I was not equipped to be a spy. I am the most unobservant person ever! International secrets could be passed under my nose, and I would never even see it. (Also, I love to be in bed by 10 p.m.; the life of ferreting out criminals and foiling masterminds would interfere with bedtime.)
All Believers Have an Adversary
The Apostle Peter tells us we have an adversary, and the best defense is being clear-minded, vigilant and resistant.
Be sober, be vigilant;
1 Peter 5:8-9 New King James Version
because your adversary the devil
walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Spiritually speaking, it is dangerous to not be watching for traps the enemy might set for me. In other words, I should be on the watch for things that could trigger me into a failure.
Watch for Unforgiveness
One way the enemy can influence us to sin is in the area of unforgiveness. It is so easy to become bitter when the enemy whispers of another’s offense. You might call this a device the enemy uses to get our eyes off Jesus and onto self.
Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 Modern English Version
For if I forgave someone anything,
for your sakes I forgave it in Christ,
lest Satan should take advantage of us.
For we are not ignorant of his devices.
This post was written in response to the prompt, “watch,” shared at Five Minute Friday. Although the post was written in 5 minutes, the headings, scriptures and graphics took longer.
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
A Personal Note:
It’s good to be back on the blog after an extended summber break that included hospitalization for my husband, travel to two different states, a bedside vigil, the homegoing of my mother and a burial. I’m catching my bearings and pondering what is most important. How was your summer?
Previous Post: Time for A Summer Break
Sharing at Five Minute Friday, Grace & Truth InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee