Topic: BE SOBER AND VIGILANT.
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)* – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
The devil is always at work, aiming to destroy, deceive, and manipulate in ways we often don’t immediately recognize. He doesn’t come boldly announcing himself as the devil, but instead, he uses subtle tactics and people to carry out his schemes. This is why, as believers, we must be both sober and vigilant at all times. To be sober means to have a clear, disciplined mind that is not easily swayed by distractions, emotions, or temptations. Being vigilant means being spiritually alert and watchful, always sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
When we are not sober and vigilant, we leave the door open for the enemy to enter our lives through deception, compromise, or manipulation. For example, there was a time when a Christian businesswoman began experiencing unexpected financial setbacks and interpersonal conflicts in her company. Initially, she attributed it to normal business challenges, but as she sought the Lord in prayer, the Holy Spirit revealed to her that one of her business partners was acting out of greed and deceit. By being vigilant and sensitive to the Spirit, she was able to remove herself from a dangerous situation before greater harm was done.
The enemy doesn’t always come with a loud roar; sometimes, he sneaks in through small compromises, distractions, or negative influences. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” We must stay spiritually awake to discern when and how the enemy is moving against us.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sober and vigilant in all that I do. Open my eyes to the schemes of the enemy and give me the strength to resist him. May Your Spirit lead and guide me, so that I may walk in victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
