THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is many things, but first of all is that we are followers of Jesus. Everything else we do must be rooted, trunked, branched, leafed, budded, and fruited in this one foundational part of our practices of faith. Out of this relationship comes all of the determinant attributes of character that shape our actions and activities. As Jesus said, so it is: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

But we are under constant assault by the enemy of our souls. Jesus tells us, in the parable of the sower, “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.” (Matt. 13:19) Further, he adds, “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22) We are well-advised when we hear and put to use the full counsel of scripture. Peter warns, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8b) Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Col. 2:8) From all of this we are tasked with the never-ending need to practice vigilance.

Vigilance is that sober, careful aspect of our faith that keeps watch for possible danger or difficulties that may afflict us in body, soul, or spirit. Jesus’ words to Peter on the night of his own great temptation, and Peter’s to follow, resonate with a tumultuous energy. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41) Proverbial wisdom also guides us. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23) The next four verses are a study in practicing personal vigilance. “Keep your mouth free of perversity; Let your eyes look straight ahead; Give careful thought to the paths for your feet. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Pro. 4:24-27) Paul says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13) Peter similarly says: “Be alert and of sober mind.” (1 Pet. 5:8a)

Vigilance demands preparation for a ready response to threat. It requires more than a mental attitude, and must include preparation for action as well as completing action itself. James says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8) The tightrope walk of faith is anchored by equal parts trial and temptation, and we must understand the one and reject the other.

In order to accomplish this balancing act, it is vitally important to understand the resources available to us. Paul tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:10-11) Our protection, he says, is multidimensional: “truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the word of God.” (Eph. 6:14-17)—all of these are necessary; they cannot stand alone but must work together to protect all the gateways into our soul. And it is Paul also who reminds us of the true scope of spiritual warfare that is exercised unremittingly against us and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)

Vigilance, in its readiness for action, must also have a firm foundation of hope; the underlying expectation of a successful outcome in our grapple with darkness depends upon this aspect to power our human will in the face of struggle. For Christians, there is a source beyond us for this, and it is not a philosophy or a religion. It is a direct result of and is proportional to the relationship with our Savior and Lord. Paul defines maintaining this vital bond in this way: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:6-7) And he reminds us of the way in which this connection was established and empowered only by the grace of God. “When you were dead in your sins, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sin, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Col. 2:13-15)

Vigilance keeps a wary eye on the world, and keen eye on all the spiritual forces locked in battle in every direction around us—but it makes sure to keep an eye fixed on the cross of Jesus and his resurrection. Defensive driving habits call for looking carefully and repeatedly in all directions for threats. These practices stress visual acuity and mental preparation in the horizontal plane. We are called to similar practices as Christians, but to these we add looking up. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:1-3)

The threats come from below; the answer comes from seeing and acting on what comes from above.

Q. How far do I see beyond and above this moment?