p. 175 | Be Vigilant by C. LAWTON

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1871

Be Vigilant.

By C. LAWTON

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith.” 1 Peter 5: 8, 9. This counsel was given over eighteen hundred years ago, yet perhaps there never was a time in the history of the church when the facts stated were truer and the counsel more needed than now. Satan has had a long experience since then, and has by no means lost any of his power and artfulness. He is the originator of all evil. His whole satanic power is brought to bear in this direction, and legions of evil spirits go and come at his bidding to aid in his diabolical work.

Well might the apostles represent him as a roaring lion, and much more to be dreaded. How can we expect to escape such a host of evil spirits, unless we are clothed with the whole armor of God? The apostle exhorts us to soberness or seriousness and watchfulness, and to resist steadfast in the faith.

Now a faith based on theory alone will not answer. We must have a practical faith, or in other words, we must steadfastly adhere to the teaching of God’s word, by daily practicing them in our lives. In doing this we shall be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6: 11. “But the end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Pet. 4: 7.

Is this not a very important time to heed this counsel? One reason why so many are weak and have not a deep experience is, because secret prayer and watchfulness are neglected. Fervent, effectual prayer prevails with God. Prayer is our stronghold. Let us often be found at the throne of grace. C. LAWTON.