Be Vigilant
1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert, be sober minded"
For years I hung off the side of a tree to ambush deer as they traveled between their bedrooms and their food or water source. But, with age there comes a time where I needed to make some changes. About five years ago we purchased a nice chunk of land and I knew it was time to build some tower blinds. My two sons and their sons came down to help Grandpa with the project. The blinds are 6 ft. by 8 ft. and are totally enclosed. They are nothing fancy, but they keep me out of the rain and snow, plus they conceal movement. They aren’t insulated, but a Little Buddy heater keeps the inside temp around 30 degrees when it’s around zero. They aren’t portable, so location is paramount. This old man thinks they are perfect.
Over time the deer get totally comfortable with the blinds and let their guard down. If the wind is right and we slip in without detection, then it’s just a matter of waiting for the right animal and the right shot. In life we can get so busy and so comfortable with what’s around us that we let our guard down and become vulnerable to Satan and his attacks.
At first we are appalled at the things of satan and this world and we will stay totally away from it. Satan knows this and soon he changes them so they don't seem all that bad. We feel like we can get a little closer without falling for any traps we might see... before long we are in knee deep and it doesn't seem so bad. Soon we are on the edge of the deep water and on a slippery slope. If we don't get out right away we are likely to be over our heads and it deep trouble.
If we read the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis we see where he finds himself alone in Potiphar's wife's bedroom... a place he shouldn't have been. Thankfully, Joseph has guarded his heart and when she attempts to draw him into her bed, he knows that he is in a bad place and he turns and runs. One step closer and he might have made the worst choice of his life.
We need to be aware of our surroundings or soon we will end out like one of those deer that walks too close to the deer blind that seemed safe yesterday but is hiding a deadly danger now.
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil rowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour".
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