21 August | Youth
«Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.» 1 Thessalonians 5:6
According to experts, most traffic accidents occur when the driver is close to reaching their home. After traveling a long distance, for perhaps two, three or four hours, when they are close to home, they relax and reduce their attention level. In other cases, they are overcome by sleep and tiredness. Have you ever faced this situation?
Just like in traffic, every Christian runs the risk of relaxing and “letting their guard down” as they journey to Heaven. That is why in several texts in the Bible we are invited to be constantly vigilant. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matt 26:41). The apostle Paul also advised: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor 16:13).
Being vigilant means “to pay attention, to stay awake, to be alert at all times.” It is as essential for Christian life as prayer. Ellen White wrote: “Satan watches eagerly to find Christians off their guard. O that the followers of Christ would remember that eternal vigilance is the price of eternal life!” (The Review and Herald, August 11, 1903).
Several times, Jesus addressed the issue of spiritual watchfulness. At parable of the two servants (Matt 24:41-48), for example, He contrasted the behavior of the good servant, who in the absence of his master tried to fulfill everything that had been ordered of him, with that of the bad servant, who lived as if his master would never return. Vigilance here means obedience, service. This is how the Lord wants to meet us when he returns to Earth.
In your Christian walk, be sure to read the Bible, pray and go to church (Heb 10:25). And, while waiting for Jesus to return, do your best to work for Him. Be fruitful in your ministry! The word almond, in the Hebrew language (shaqed), has the same root as the word “vigilant.” The almond tree is the first tree to awaken from its “winter sleep” and bloom. It is as if it watches the arrival of spring. This is how God wants to see today's young people: awake and active, in full communion and action!
Stay “awake” on this day. Bear fruit for the Lord. Just a little more, and we will get home!