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No Substitute for Vigilance
Priest or prophet, king or commoner—all are vulnerable to sin. As long as we live in this world, we are never immune to temptation. We either yield to it or overcome it. Too often, we find ourselves yielding, not because we don’t know better, but because we’re not watchful enough. A major cause of spiritual failure is a lack of vigilance in our faith.
Even among faithful church members—elders, deacons, and workers—complacency can creep in. Over the years, we’ve seen once-zealous believers fall, damaging not only their own faith but also that of others. Ironically, those most active in church life may be the most at risk. Years of service can subtly build a false sense of spiritual immunity. When we let our guard down, we create space for the devil to work.
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
Spiritual negligence leads to two dangerous outcomes: first, we begin to worship God on our own terms; second, we may slowly replace God with idols in our hearts.
Worshipping God Our Way
When we grow careless, we begin to serve God as we please instead of as He commands. This was the downfall of Aaron and the Israelites in Exodus 32. Though Aaron was Israel’s first high priest and had witnessed God’s power firsthand, he helped the people build a golden calf when Moses delayed his return from Mount Sinai. In their impatience and fear, the people crafted their own form of worship—one that suited their desires.
We may not bow before golden calves today, but the danger remains. Secular elements can infiltrate our worship in subtle ways—music styles, emotionalism, or entertainment masked as evangelism. While creativity and outreach are not wrong, we must guard the sanctity of our worship. The power to transform lives belongs to the Holy Spirit, not human performance.
We also alter worship out of convenience. Skipping Sabbath for personal plans or favoring preachers we prefer may seem harmless, but it reflects a heart centered on self rather than God. Saul lost his kingship for offering sacrifices before God’s appointed time—reminding us that obedience matters more than intention (1 Samuel 13).
Idols in the Heart
Vigilance not only affects how we worship, but also whom we worship. Without it, idols take root—subtly replacing God.
- Self-Glorification
We live in a world that rewards image, recognition, and influence. Even in church, it’s tempting to enjoy praise or seek approval. Yet Paul and Barnabas, after healing a man in Acts 14, rejected worship from the crowd, crying, “We are also men with the same nature as you.” They knew all glory belongs to God. Jesus warned, “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44). We must live not for praise, but for God’s approval. - Money
Jesus said plainly, “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Still, many try to chase both spiritual growth and material gain. But a life focused on wealth slowly displaces our devotion to God. Today’s culture of prosperity—even in some churches—makes it easy to keep up religious appearances while quietly worshipping success and security.
As believers, we must constantly examine who truly sits on the throne of our hearts.
Stay the Course
The Christian life is a marathon. While spiritual highs may give us short bursts of zeal, only consistent vigilance will carry us to the finish. Along the way, distractions and temptations will try to pull us off course.
To be vigilant is to obey God as He has commanded—not as we feel or prefer. Like the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, we are still waiting. But unlike them, may we be found faithful when our Mediator—Jesus Christ—returns.
Let us worship with reverence, guard our hearts, and stay alert—because there truly is no substitute for vigilance.
Join us for our Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC)—a time of worship, fellowship, and growing spiritually.
We look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org