“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”
Have you watched a documentary of African lions hunting in the wild? Their golden coat perfectly camouflage them to unsuspecting prey. Lions prowl around looking for an easy target – an animal that is alone, hurt, or tired.
According to the Scriptures, the devil operates in a similar manner – prowling around looking for an easy target. Some of the worst decisions people make are when they are isolated, spiritually dry, or physically tired because they are susceptible to spiritual attacks.
Isolation removes you from the encouragement and support of other Christians. We all need people who know us and point us to Jesus. Separating yourself from other Christians leaves you vulnerable. Spiritual dryness leads our minds and hearts to wander away from the goodness of Jesus. This wandering causes us to wonder if Jesus loves us, knows us, or has a plan for us. And when physical exhaustion sets in, we make choices based off of our comfort or need for rest instead of walking faithfully in the direction that Jesus is leading.
Peter’s warning is for Jesus followers to “stay aware” and to “be sober-minded.” The devil knows he will lose the war but that won’t keep him from trying to strike you down. It is vitally important for each Christian to be in community, spiritually strong, and physically awake so that we can stand with Jesus.
Live It:
- Are you in a spot where you are isolated with no biblical community, spiritually dry, or physically exhausted?
- How can you slow down your schedule and get the support you need from God’s Word and His people?
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Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
