Be alert

Let’s consider the principle: "Be Alert". In Martial Arts parlance this principle seems most self- evident. In a fight, if you are not alert, you can receive a sudden and damaging hit. If you are not alert, you can miss an opportunity to deliver such a hit to your opponent. But this principle goes beyond blocking and striking in combat.

Consider the following Scriptures:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

Other passages for further study: Psalm 39:1; 130:6; Deuteronomy 4:9,15; Proverbs 8:34; Micah 7:7; Matthew 7:7,15; 24:4,42; 25:13; Luke 12:15; 17:3; 21:8,36; Acts 20:28; Romans 16:17; Galatians 5:15; 6:1; Philippians 3:2; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:2; 2 John 1:8

When I think about this principle, I am reminded of a classic Kung Fu movie from 1979 called "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin." In one of the final chambers, the Shaolin student learns to train his eyes to focus. He finds himself in a pitch black room. Two smoldering wicks appear just inches from his face. He has to follow a giant metronome with only his eyes. If he moves his face, he gets burned. I thought this clip might provide a nice visual to encourage you to train to be alert.