Have you heard the story of the soldier who fell asleep while standing guard? Finally, he just dropped his head into his arms and fell asleep. When she opened her eyes, she saw a pair of boots right in front of him and suspected that they belonged to the officer commanding him. Just before raising his head, he said loudly, “Amen!”

Fast thinking!

But if you think about it, the soldier could have caused quite a mess sleeping on duty. What if it wasn’t the officer commanding him, but the enemy standing in front of him? What are the chances that he would have survived?

A soldier must always be ready, because the enemy is simply waiting for that nanosecond when you let your guard down. At that moment the soldier is vulnerable. He only thinks of this word. The soldier drops his guard and protection completely and becomes an open easy target for the enemy who can shoot or subdue him.

Thus, Christians must be prepared at all times. We must be alert and know that the enemy is out there like a roaring lion trying to catch us. He is waiting for that brief moment when we slip up and then he attacks. So a warning:

6So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart.

We know very well what is right and what is wrong. We know where the right path of life goes and where the wrong one goes. Most of us take the right path, but many times we are tempted to take a detour. That’s when we have to be strong. That’s when we have to make sure we’re not caught asleep. That’s when we have to put in extra energy to stay alert and on point.

The King James version says that we have to watch and be sober. Another story: A man says that when he goes out at night, he looks for the person he finds least attractive. If that person starts looking attractive later at night, he knows it’s time to go home.

That man knows what makes you drink too much. He kneads with your judgment. You make decisions and do things that you would never do when you were sober. But it is more than drinking. Money can get you high. Fame can get you high. You can even get drunk on love. Therefore, the instruction: Be awake at all times. Know that he is on duty and on guard at all times. Don’t sleep even for a moment, because that’s when the devil attacks.

Pray and be strong!

Holy Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

Reflection

Are you an easy target?

What can you do to stay awake?

Do you realize the danger of falling asleep?

Prayer

Lord, this sounds so familiar, because how many times have I slept on duty! I still have a lot to learn and practice. I wish with all my heart to continue standing, but sometimes I get so sleepy… Amen.