“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Stay On Your Toes

My very short-lived career in co-recreational sports occurred the year I got married. My husband and I joined a softball team of other married couples in our Sunday school class and, by default, I ended up as the catcher.

During one game, I narrowly missed being beaned into oblivion by a ball hurled at the plate in an attempt to throw out a runner advancing home. Had the throw not been off a few inches, I would probably still be laying in the dirt with birdies circling my head. The fault would not have been with the fielder, though. It was my fault: I was not paying attention.

The game of life requires similar attention and alertness. We don’t always know what will come at us in the form of temptation, trials and blessings, but we have to be on our guard to know them when they come and be able to deflect those that mean us harm. The devil wants nothing more than to knock us unconscious and cause serious damage to our faith life. The best defense is to be ready, armed with the shield of truth (God’s word) over your heart.

— Teresa Young, Athletes In Action

(PHOTO CREDIT: Dirk Hanson)