In 1Peter 5:8, believers are urged to be sober and then be vigilant. It follows that order: you cannot be vigilant if you're not sober. Soberness comes from self-control and inward calmness. You must be in control of your thoughts, emotions, passions and desires to know when the enemy is coming with his fiery darts and be able to evade him (Ephesians 6:16).

The Christian soldier committed to enduring the good fight of faith must always maintain spiritual alertness. However, it is crucial to distinguish between watchfulness and suspicion. Suspicion involves outwardly seeking faults in others, while watchfulness is an inward state of alertness and consciousness. By observing changes from within, we can notice and avoid many pitfalls. Inner calmness facilitates this process, allowing for increased spiritual receptivity. Constant self-examination helps to diligently guard our hearts, preventing them from becoming strongholds for the enemy. What follows our being watchful is prayerfulness. In today's Bible reading, Christ instructs us to be watchful and prayerful. Without watchfulness, prayers become monotonous and uninspiring. The watchful Christian comprehends the significance of prayer and understands its purpose. Those who are spiritually alert do not lack spirit-inspired prayer points when they communicate with God. They discern what the Holy Spirit desires to present before the courts of heaven. Satan fears those who are watchful, recognizing them as formidable adversaries to him and his kingdom.

Beloved, you put yourself in so much danger when you are careless and not watchful. The Spirit of God always sends signals to believers before anything happens. When you are not watchful, these messages from the Holy Spirit will come and pass you by, unnoticed. This is the reason many believers fall into the snares of the enemy.