Complacency is one of the biggest threats to growing deeper in our relationship with Christ. Taking our eyes off Jesus for only a moment can reap disastrous and long-lasting results. Too often we treat our faith with a casualness that belies its eternal significance. Modern evangelicalism has so watered down the gospel to cater to our individual whims and desires that we think of Christianity as a lifestyle rather than the spiritual war it is.
Ask any soldier what happens if you get complacent in battle and they will assure you that you will wind up dead. If you want to live a life that honors Jesus, you must stay alert. This isn’t a game. It’s an ongoing battle for the destiny of your soul.
Stay Alert in Prayer
Believers today do not regard their Christianity with the seriousness it demands. True faith results in a transformation. Life is nothing like it ever was before. As Jesus put it, you must be born again (John 3:3). It’s a whole new life that plays by a whole new set of rules (2 Corinthians 5:17). There’s no sleepwalking allowed here. Paul instructs us to stay alert in prayer (Ephesians 6:18) because a Christian at prayer will not be susceptible to a sneaky spiritual attack. In prayer, we are communing with the divine and ultimate power. God is never surprised (Isaiah 46:9-10).
Stay Alert in Your Faith
Paul also exhorts us to stay alert and stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). Almost every cultural “advancement” and wind of change seeks to erode our faith. Our fallen world works hard to convince us that man’s ideas are more relevant and “evolved” than what we find in our old dusty book. They appeal to our lusts and desires, attempting to show us we are missing out on the best things in life. Be careful of letting culture into your homes, your hearts, and your minds (Romans 12:2). There’s nothing worthwhile in this world. It’s all temporary and fading away (1 John 2:15-17).
Stay Alert for the Attacks of the Devil
Every hour of every day, Satan is on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). He wants nothing more than to destroy your soul. Since you bear the image of God (Genesis 1:27), Satan hates everything about you. The Devil knows he’s going to lose. His only hope now is to take as many with him as he can. There is no winning play for Satan, so why would you want to chase after him? There is a way that seems right and enjoyable to our flesh, but it only leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). Sin may look pleasurable, but it is always a ploy of the devil to destroy you (James 1:14-15).
Stay Alert for the Lord’s Return
Nothing will be more tragic than to live your life for Christ only to let your guard down just as He returns. There are no days off in living for Jesus. He warns us to be watchful for His return, because He will come back at a moment we don’t expect (Matthew 24:42-44). The only way to avoid being found in sin when He returns is to always keep our focus on Him and off ourselves. It’s a lifelong responsibility, but one we embrace to call Him Lord.
There is no coasting in the Christian life. It’s not a game but the most serious commitment you will ever make. We are at war with the forces of darkness. Don’t let the tricks of the devil or the lusts of your flesh deceive you. We are at war and must stay alert in prayer, hold fast to our faith, be on guard against attacks, and anticipate the coming of our King. This is the duty and calling of all who would follow Jesus.