google image – vigilant soldiers

Vigilant: the state of being alert, wide awake, aware of danger.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful.
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion …”
I Peter 5:8

google image – watchfulness

Watchfulness: being observant, continuously attentive, eyes open to God.
WordHippo – “proactive engagement with one’s spiritual life”.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer,
being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2

Two similar concepts with two different foci. Both necessary.

Vigilance is the idea of danger, that which is to be avoided. As believers we need to be aware.

Matthew 4 records the narrative of Jesus being led by the Spirit … to be tempted by the devil, his adversary. Tempting, one of the main tools in the devil’s toolbox was his weapon of choice after Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. The devil tempted, command these stones to become bread. Jesus, you’re hungry, fix your problem. Jesus knew truth; he knew the devil’s tactics; he quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “… man does not live by bread alone …”

Jesus was vigilant, wide awake to the devil’s schemes.

I was in the congregation squirming on those uncomfortable folding metal chairs. She was on the platform weaving story after story captivating those around me, but not me. My focus was in the wrong place. Why wasn’t I sharing my story? I have more to share than she does and better stories. COMPARISON!! The devil was having a hay-day with me. Like Jesus, I knew the truth; I knew the scriptures say, II Corinthians 10:12, “… they who compare themselves among themselves are not wise.” But unlike Jesus, I chose to ignore it. I chose to wallow in my pity-party.

I was not practicing vigilance.

I was (am) aware of my propensity to comparison. It’s an area I MUST practice vigilance.

I’ve learned the habit of reviewing the scriptures — almost daily — that speak to me of God’s purposes for me; that speak of my identity; and that speak truth into the lies I’m most susceptible. I need to be vigilant!

Watchfulness, being continually observant of God at work is also necessary. Watchfulness, like vigilance, requires attention; attention focused on God.

Above my computer desk are two framed pictures of my oldest and youngest GRANDS. Jack, now 18, is a three year old in the top picture. He is seeing a rainbow for the very first time. His awe is obvious as he stands un-moving and looking.

The bottom picture is 18 month old Leah. It was snapped in December 4 years ago. She is holding a string of tiny plugged in Christmas lights. She too is awed as she sits un-moving and looking.

Google Photo

Have you ever seen a circular rainbow, a Sundog? Bill and I were in New Mexico on a rare weekend away. As we sat on the patio of the Bed & Breakfast we were visiting, this beautiful phenomena appeared, a Sundog, a first for me.

I was mesmerized. My eyes were open to another of God’s amazing creations. I sat and stared, giving continuous attention, engaging, watchful.

Watchfulness allowed me to receive God’s gift of a Sundog that morning. Watchfulness wows and points to our amazingly creative, caring, loving God.

Vigilance and watchfulness both necessary in growing our relationship with God.

Copyright: Sue Tell, February 2025