“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭13‬:‭33‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God created me. He created me in such a way that I need sleep. And rest. And vacation. And down time. In fact, He made a whole day of rest for His people, the Sabbath. And even God Himself took time to relax and enjoy His creation. The seventh day. (Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

So when Jesus warned His followers to “Watch!” And “Be alert!” He didn’t intend for me to try to keep constant vigil or to be on guard every moment of every day, in case this is the moment He returns. For one thing, He knows I would fail. He created me after all.

So what does Jesus mean? What does being alert entail?

The surrounding verses use the metaphor of a servant watching for the boss to return. A good servant will make sure to stay on top of her duties in her boss’s absence. A good servant assumes her boss may return at any moment and will want fresh linens and a full fridge. A bad servant will let things slide. A bad servant assumes the boss won’t return for a while so she can just let the grass grow long and the mail go unanswered while she plops on the couch to watch TV.

Am I a good servant or a bad servant? Am I staying on top of the duties Jesus gave me, or am I letting them slide, day after day, saying, “Maybe I’ll get to it tomorrow…”

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a purpose in this life, to love you and to love others. Thank you also for the commission you gave your followers to tell other people about you and your love. Please give me the strength and sense of urgency needed to stay on top of these duties. Remind me each day to seek your face, listen for my assignments, and prioritize your goals. Forgive me for the times when I prioritize my leisure, comfort, and entertainment instead. Teach me to be alert and watchful for your return each day.