Watch!

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 9, 1882

How startling the word! and how important and reasonable. The Master foresaw all our dangers—all the snares throughout our pilgrimage. Yea, he went through and overcame them all. And now the privilege he grants to us is, that we may look unto him when thus exposed. He left us “an example that we should follow his steps.” But we must watch, or discern those steps, and this may be done by studying his word. To be well guarded against all the devices of Satan, we cannot be too thoroughly acquainted with the Bible. It is “a lamp” to the pilgrim’s feet, and “the entrance” of it into our hearts “giveth light.” “Whatsoever maketh manifest is light;” the word of God does this—shows us the nature of our enemy—exposes all the snares laid for our feet, and tells us how we may escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. If, then, we watch the Saviour’s steps with a submissive heart, we shall see and overcome the evil; our defense will be prepared, both in answers of wisdom to the gainsayer, and in the thoughts of our minds.

With a vigilant eye, decision of character is also indispensable. For, though a man may see evil before him, and be on his guard, yet if he is not fully decided, he will be likely to fall by the hand of his enemy.

We are to look diligently “lest any root of bitterness springing up,” we may get into trouble. We are to “follow peace with all men,” “if it be possible.”

We are to “take heed” that we are not “overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness;” that is we are to eat and drink temperately, “with gladness and singleness of heart,” “giving thanks to the Lord.”

Also we are to guard against being overburdened with riches and “cares of the world.” What will a practical watching do to avert this evil? To prevent our becoming “very rich,” and having “great possessions,” we can, we must, we will if we are truly God’s children, be “ready to distribute” among the poor that we have always with us. “Sow bountifully.” By thus disposing of God’s property, we keep our hearts warm, and the exercise of doing good keeps us awake. With the eye first on the benevolent Jesus, “who for our sakes became poor,” and then on our fellow-men in want, seeking to relieve suffering anywhere, everywhere, we shall cheerfully embrace the many opportunities to do good.—Sel