Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come. Mark 13:33 (AMPC)
You ought to be quick to perceive and take on danger, emergency, or opportunity.
This is what our Lord Jesus meant when He cautioned us to be wise as serpents- Matthew 10:16.
Don’t take anything for granted, be alert, you don’t want and can’t afford unpleasant surprises.
Watch out, watch your step. Do not live ignorantly but wisely-Ephesians 5:15.
The following watches can help you understand and practically apply alertness or being on your guard so you can live successfully.
Watch what you listen to, watch what you read. Watch out what you watch. If it builds faith then you’re set for growth and advancement, but if it builds fear then you are self-sentencing to defeat and destruction.
Watch your tongue or mouth – watch what you speak.
Watch out what you allow into your mind – what you set your mind on. If you speak death, you will think death, then you will see death. But if you speak life, you will think life, and see life.
Watch out where your heart is. Because where your treasure is that’s where your heart will be. If your heart is in worthless unprofitable things then that’s what your treasure amounts to.
Watch out for what’s in your heart – what it is saying, what it is signaling? Because that’s where the instructions and counsel for life come from-Proverbs 4:23.
Watch out who speaks in your life. They’re your influencers. Don’t pay attention to their age, experience, titles, accolades, status, charm, or presence but rather watch out their character, heart and content.
Watch where and who you hang out with – your friends, advisors. Remember bad company corrupts good character- 1Corinthians 15:33
Watch out who speaks to your wife – ask Adam. A snake spoke to Eve and all of us got into trouble.
Watch out who speaks into your children’s lives. Don’t just take them to school and pay their tuition. Watch out regarding the schools they’re going to because they are influencing them for a lifetime and causing them to influence generations to come.
Watch out who and what you follow – in politics, news, sports , entertainment – on facebook, twitter, Instagram, tik tok, etc. Watch out who posts on your timeline, your inbox. Watch out for those following you – family, children, flock, subordinates at work, those you mentor. You’re their example and influence. You can do or undo them and most often it’s for life.
Watch out how and on what you spend your time, money, strength, gifts, abilities and talents.
Watch out how you treat others. Watch how you treat your spouse, children, relatives, neighbors, strangers, the less privileged, and workmates – especially those under you.
Watch out how you treat the things of God – most especially His Word.
Watch out for your health – spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.
Watch your passions and appetites. Watch your temper. Watch what you eat, drink, and wear. Be on your guard.