There was a morning breakfast buffet on our weekend away at the ministry retreat. Nothing over-the-top fancy; it contained typical breakfast foods, eggs, oatmeal, etc. However, there was an item that required clarification; before we began to eat, the dining facility manager made the announcement that there were two containers on the buffet, one containing a garlic aioli sauce and another containing plain yogurt… they looked identical; they even had the same coloration and consistency.
You would not know there was anything wrong until you took a spoonful of aioli mixed with granola or smeared yogurt on your breakfast sandwich. You would only discern the correct item for your plate through careful observation.
We must be ever-vigilant in our Christian walk. Time and again in Jesus’ ministry, he instructs his followers to “stay awake” or be “watchful.” (Matthew 24:42, Matthew 25:13, Matthew 26:41). It is the mark of a faithful witness, being wary of a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Complicating our position, we are informed that some are contrary to our path; they are dressed in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) or masquerade as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). It makes us wonder what we are supposed to do. How can we navigate a world that is deceitful and opposed to the direction of God? Paul gives us an answer in Colossians 4, as he writes.
Colossians 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, be watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Certainly, we are to remain watchful and guarded against the schemes of the devil, but there is a primary attitude that we should be considering. We “continue steadfastly in prayer,” a desire to be in constant communication with our Heavenly Father. I reflect on how infrequently I talk to God, and I know that if I devoted myself to prayer, many of the pitfalls that are common to humanity would not be as effective in my life.
What causes me to drift away from God? Jesus describes them as “the cares and worries of this world.” Many of these issues would melt away if I came to God with my concerns or aligned with His will.
Closely connected to this is the attitude that I pray and am watchful with, “thanksgiving.” When I am thankful and content with my life, I am less likely to chase after the things of this world. Prosperity, popularity, and prestige tug at us relentlessly, and they are never satisfied. When I am watchful and have an attitude of thanksgiving, I recognize what God has done in my life and that His blessings overwhelm me. I no longer will be deceived by the devil and his schemes.
Proverbs 16:25 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Aioli sauce and yogurt may seem similar, but you will know the difference if you are observant and watchful. The truth of this world is that it can be enticing and deceptive. Therefore, let us approach God in prayer, being content with what we have, and walk steadily in thankful observation.