In this episode of the Weekday Podcast, Pastor Chuck Allen dives deep into the importance of being spiritually vigilant. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:13 and other biblical passages, Pastor Chuck discusses how Paul’s call to "be on guard" is just as relevant in today’s world of distractions and busyness as it was in ancient times. Using vivid imagery, like that of a night watchman guarding a city, he encourages listeners to stay spiritually aware, grounded in faith, and empowered by love. He also offers practical ways to maintain this vigilance, reminding us that our spiritual watchfulness isn't done alone—God stands watch with us. Tune in to discover how you can keep your heart attuned to God's voice in a world designed to distract.
Hi, everybody. Pastor Chuck Allen here with another Weekday podcast, where I want to talk to us today about being on guard. Listen to what 1 Corinthians says in chapter 16, beginning of verse 13, Be on guard, Paul writes, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything with love. In this powerful verse, Paul provides four succinct commands that we'll unpack over the next few days that encapsulate how Christians should live. I want us to explore these commands a little bit more in-depth, starting with be on your guard. Paul all begins with a call to vigilance, which, by the way, echoes Jesus's words in Matthew 26:41, where he said, Keep watch and pray so that you will not give in to temptation for the spirit is willing, the body is weak. Imagine you're a night watchman at an ancient city's gate. The air is crisp, the stars twinkle overhead, and the weight of responsibility rests on your shoulders. One moment of a distraction could mean disaster for those people that you've been sworn to protect. In many ways, you're that watchman. The apostle Paul's work literally echoes through times. It was a clarion call to vigilance.
Be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. But what does it mean to be on guard in a world of smartphones, social media, and 24/7 distractions. It means keeping your spiritual radar on high alert. It's recognizing that while we may not face physical armies at our gates, we're in a daily battle against, well, according to Ephesians 6, evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. The enemy doesn't always announce his arrival with trumpets and war cries. Sometimes he slips in through the cracks of our busyness, our complacency, and our small compromises. Being on guard is about discernment. It's developing a finely-tuned spiritual palate that can distinguish truth from the most cleverly disguised lies. Remember, even Satan can masquerade as an angel of light. That's why John says, Dear friends, do not believe everything or everyone who claims to speak by the spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have come from some God. But here's the beautiful thing about this vigilance. It's not fueled by fear, it's powered by love. Love for God and love for others. It's about being ready, like a well-prepared host, to share the hope that lives within us.
As Peter reminds us, if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. So how do we cultivate this watchful heart in a world that seems designed to distract us? Well, first, stay connected to the source. Just as a security system needs power to function, we need to stay plugged into God's word and presence. Two, train your spiritual senses. Like a wine taster developing their palate, we need to regularly expose ourselves to truth so we can spot counterfeits. And stand together. Remember, ancient cities didn't rely on a single watchman, but a team. We need each other to stay alert and strong. So as you go about your day, remember, you're on guard duty, not with a sword and a shield, but with a heart attuned to God's voice and eyes open to his work and the world around us. It's a high calling, yes, but take heart. The one who called you is faithful, and he stands watch with you. Stay alert, friend. The dawn is coming. God bless you. Thanks so much for joining me on another weekday podcast.
