Be on the Alert

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Peter 5; 2 Peter 1

Toward the end of his first epistle, Peter used some vivid imagery to warn about the threat of the devil. He wrote, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

By describing the devil in this way, Peter emphasized the fact that our adversary is looking for an opportunity. When we are at our lowest point, we are in the most danger. When we are separated from our brethren, we are the most vulnerable. When we are not paying attention, that is when he attacks.

Despite the fact that the devil is a powerful adversary (like a lion), our situation is not hopeless. Peter went on to admonish these brethren to “resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). This implied that they could resist him. James would say in his letter, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

How can we resist the devil? We have to recognize when he is likely to strike and be proactive in our preparation against this. We need to strengthen and encourage ourselves with God’s word. We need the fellowship of other faithful Christians. And we need to make sure we are paying attention.

So be on the alert. The devil is hunting us and looking for an opportunity to destroy us. Let us not let our guard down so we can be prepared to resist him when he comes against us.