“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” Proverbs 1:5
Do you find yourself daydreaming as you skip down the road? Sometimes, do you think it’s hard to concentrate on your schoolwork, chores, or what someone else is talking to you about? Then this might be a character trait that you need to sit up and pay attention to! It’s called Alertness and it is: Being aware of that which is taking place around me, so I can have the right response to it. You see the Lord wants us to be pay attention to what is going on around us so we don’t fall into sin or allow ourselves others to be harmed. I think Alertness is important to a girl in three areas…
First, girls should be alert to the needs of others. Did you notice that a new girl slipped into Sunday School and doesn’t know anybody or have anyone to sit next to? If you’re paying attention, you can be a blessing by introducing yourself and offering to sit with her. Did you realize that something is bothering your friend and she looks upset? Perhaps you could ask her what is wrong and offer her some encouragement. Did you notice that the table is cluttered and mother needs someone to clear it before dinner can be served? If you are observant, you can help out and thereby bless the whole family! These are all instances where we need to be alert to the needs of others.
There are other times when girls need to be alert to danger. If you are daydreaming and not paying attention, you might not realize that your baby brother has wandered in the direction of the road and very soon could be in great danger. It’s easy to get caught up in playtime, and not pay attention to what is going on around you. But a wise girl will “have her eyes open” and keep herself and her family out of danger.
Lastly, the devil wants you to be careless so he can tempt you to sin. This happens so often in our lives. We get caught up in what we are doing and easily tempted into sin. The Bible says that the devil is a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8) We need to pay attention to those areas of sin in our life, and seek ways to avoid them. Get your Bible out and ask your mother to help you study His Word so you can be alert to those bad habits of sin in your life. Through study, prayer, and a watchful eye, you can learn to avoid the temptations that the devil throws into your path.
Here are some Bible verses to study with your mom:
Proverbs 14:15
Proverbs 22:3
Mark 14:38
I know that with the Lord’s help, you can be a girl who is alert to how the Lord is working in your life!
Abigail strives to be a joyful wife to Scott and mother to their five blessings – Lily, Joseph, Grace, Emma, and Samuel. She enjoys homemaking, organizing, homeschooling, and bargain shopping.