Be Aware!
Dan Kunz
America’s Funniest Home Videos has been in the business of making people laugh for over thirty years. We love to watch other people doing foolish things which don’t end well. We’ve all seen the videos of people walking somewhere with their eyes glued to their cell phone screens and end up in embarrassing or even dangerous situations. They trip over chairs, run into signs, and even walk off subway platforms! The truth is, you don’t have to watch television to see those things, they happen all around us. Our family once watched a ten-year-old boy walk right into a signpost because he was busy talking to his friend walking next to him. Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt. We’ve probably all tripped over a door sill or something else when not paying complete attention to where we were walking.
Several years ago, my wife and I were told by a concealed carry instructor, that a group of university students did a study of criminal behavior for one of their psychology classes. Part of their study involved interviewing inmates at a prison. Among other things, the students asked the convicted robbers how they chose their victims. Most of them stated that they looked for people who were not paying attention to their surroundings, especially those who were on their cell phones. Think of a purse-snatcher and his intended target. A lady who is unaware of her surroundings is “easy picking” for a criminal like that.
Unfortunately, the world in which we live seems to be getting more and more dangerous all the time. Anyone who is not aware of his or her surroundings can easily become a target. The grocery store parking lot, the movie theater, or the sports stadium can all harbor threats. Especially when you are in unfamiliar circumstances, look around, be aware. Don’t have tunnel vision, whether it’s on your cell phone or a person. Plan ahead. Walk with other people. Park near a light. Having the means to defend yourself or alert others is also worth considering.
The same principle applies to our spiritual awareness. As much as criminals or thieves can pose a threat to the unaware, they are nothing compared to our greatest adversary, the devil. As God’s children, we trust that God is watching over us, but he also gives us the tools necessary to be aware of our spiritual surroundings. First of all, know your enemy and his favorite modes of operation – lies, half-truths, and a whole toolbox full of temptations. Secondly, be aware of your “blind spots”, your weaknesses. Thirdly, always travel with someone – Jesus. A friend in Christ can really give the support you may need to withstand what the devil throws at you. Finally, keep the means of defending yourself always ready, that is, God’s Word. Jesus himself used it to fend off attacks and you can do the same. Knowing your Scriptures and praying for strength will give you power you never knew you had!
I Peter 5:8 “Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.”