Someone made the humorous observation, “Consciousness is that annoying time between naps.” If you’re as old as I am, you probably agree that more time for naps would be great! Most of us need more rest that we get.

Let’s think a little about the importance of consciousness, of being “awake.” Not physically, but mentally and spiritually.

Alertness, awareness and attentiveness are important characteristics if we want to succeed in life. If we want to advance in our work, we must remain alert for our legitimate opportunities to succeed. Doing a good job, no matter what the task, is how we should seek to live. Enjoying a good life with family and friends can only happen if we look for ways to be helpful to others, especially to those we love. There are opportunities as well as dangers we must be aware of if we want to be everything we can be. 

The old saying is true. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” If I am conscious, alert to both present and potential events, I can deal with them more effectively.

Most importantly, from a spiritual perspective, consciousness is necessary if we want to please God and live with him forever. If we are to be successful in taking advantage of our spiritual opportunities, we must not only be aware to them, but look for them. We are instructed regarding our Christian opportunities to serve others, “…whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). This has application to every legitimate thing we do and requires our conscious effort to do so.

Overcoming the devil’s temptations to do evil or fail to do good (both involve sin) requires that we be aware of him and how he works. We need to be as alert as possible to his deceptiveness. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “…we are not unaware of his [that is, the devil’s] schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Also, Peter’s cautionary note is clear: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

As Jesus prepared to pray in Gethsemane before his betrayal and arrest, he warned Peter, James and John, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul told them, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). Their understanding of the reasons for his trouble was important to their spiritual maturity. 

Further, Paul said, concerning the Lord’s coming in judgment,  “…let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Let’s be aware of the vital need for spiritual awareness. “Are you awake?”