Alert
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
adjective
quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.
noun
the state of being watchful for possible danger.
verb
warn (someone) of a danger, threat, or problem, typically with the intention of having it avoided or dealt with.
Be alert. Be aware. Stay informed. It does not mean to behave recklessly. It doesn’t mean to panic. It does mean to be vigilant. It does mean to be prepared. Operate from a place of peace. This did not catch God by surprise. Have faith. This too shall pass.
Be Vigilant
1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
God has not given us a spirit of fear. We should not live in fear. However, we still need to be aware. We need to be careful. There are thousands of women of color reported missing every year. Sex trafficking is at an all time high. Black market organ sales are up. The victims of these crimes look like myself, my kids, my friends, and my associates. We must stay alert, and we do need to be prepared to protect ourselves and those we love. We must be vigilant.