20Apr16

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

I have mentioned this verse before in a Word of the Day I put out early in the tour about responsible use of alcohol. But, as I was reflecting on it I realized that it encompasses so much more than that. This isn't a "shame shame shame I know your name" verse. This is a warning of the deepest nature. A warning that says, "stay alert. Stay alive."

I like in the cop shows when the detective asks a family member, "can you think of anyone who would want to do harm to your loved one?" And the answer is always something like, "oh, no officer. He was such a nice guy. No one would ever..." But, the fact remains... HE'S DEAD! Someone killed him. Someone DID want to do him harm. What no one around him, or himself, could see was the danger lurking around the corner.

We live our lives like there is no one that would want to do us harm. In this blind naiveté that the world wants us to succeed if we just put positive thoughts and work into the air. Nope. We have an enemy. He is prowling. He will devour us because that is his nature... if we aren't ready for him.

So, what do we do? In the Army, when we know we are going to face an enemy or be in a potentially dangerous situation, we institute GO1. This rule stops us from drinking, pulls us in closer to post, and a variety of other things that put us in a posture of readiness. Are you ready for an attack on your soul today? What are you doing, or not doing, that puts you closer to God and your protection? Can you heed the warning call?