What Does it Mean to be Watchful?
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
What does it mean to be watchful?
Some other translations have ‘be alert’ instead of watchful. The original meaning is both; it can also mean to stay awake and be vigilant.
What are some practical ways we can be ‘watchful’?
The first thing, that came to my mind, as I pondered on this, was the scenario of a watchman guarding a person, building or some other valuable thing. That person needs to, yes, stay awake and be vigilant, but also, they must be constantly on the lookout, particularly for any dangerous signs or impending adverse events.
In the natural we can be aware of danger; we see potentially dangerous situations. As a delivery driver, I’m always keeping an eye on the road and other drivers, pedestrians, and road conditions (pot holes!). Driving through the Scottish woodland areas, I’m always looking to see in any deer or wild animals, like badgers etc. that might make a sudden dash to cross the road. Pheasants are the worst because you never can tell which direction they might go.
But as Christians, we should be like the men of Issachar, “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32).
A good knowledge of biblical prophecy and an understanding of how things will play out at the end times is extremely helpful to know at what stage we are living in and then to know what relevant action needs to be taken.
However, as my thoughts continued, I realized how absolutely I should really rely on wisdom and instruction from the Holy Spirit. It is only God, who knows the future; He knows what we must face tomorrow and even throughout this very day.
So, in prayer, to be watchful we should always ask the Holy Spirit what things in our future or even in our nation’s future should we be aware so that we can act accordingly. (John 16:13).
This also where the gifts of the Holy Spirit would be vital to be able to watch and see correctly. This is also why it would be good to be part of a church fellowship where all the gifts are in operation because were not meant to work these things out on our own; we should be part of a fully functioning body.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Being watchful involves being aware of the devil’s schemes and potential traps (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Being watchful means staying alert and constantly vigilant. There is no time to take off as holidays from this Christian life, particularly in the days we live in.
Do you remember when Jesus was going through absolute agony, to the point of sweating blood, in the garden of Gethsemane? He asked the disciples on numerous occasions for them to stay and watch with Him. What did they do, they did the opposite and fell asleep. No, Jesus was wanting them to be awake and alert and to pray with Him. He is still wanting his disciples today to stay awake and pray; to be watchmen and women to the generation that we have been called to intercede for.
To be watchful also means to be in a state of readiness. Jesus said, “keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour” (when the Lord will return). (Matthew 25:13). The foolish virgins were not prepared and their oil ran out.
We need to ensure, watch and be careful, that if the Lord were to return this very hour that we are ready and will not be ashamed or embarrassed to meet Him on that day.
I can remember, as kids, my brother and I would have the whole house to ourselves whilst they were out, we could do what we liked but we were always aware that they could come back at any time really. So, we had to be careful. If I had the stereo on full blast, I would keep one eye looking out of the window just in case. Are we living like this, not in a sense of fear as such, but always with one eye looking for the Lord’s return?
Watch that we are not deceived – Matthew 24:4
Watch out for and don’t get involved with ‘religion’ – Mark 8:15
Watch out for false teachers – Mark 12:38
Watch out for false prophets – Matthew 7:15
Watch out for and avoid all types of greed – Luke 12:15
Watch out for false messiahs – Luke 21:8
Watch the flock carefully (if you have been called to be an overseer – Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2
Watch out for those that cause division and adhere to false teaching; avoid them – Romans 16:17
Watch out that you don’t destroy yourself through in-fighting – Galatians 5:15
Watch your life and teaching closely – 1 Timothy 4:16
Watch out that you don’t lose your reward in heaven – 2 John 1:8
