Why Paying Attention to Our Actions Matters
Watchfulness is basically about being careful and aware of what you do and the reasons behind your actions. It means taking the time to think about whether your choices are good or bad, instead of just going through life on autopilot.
Imagine if someone had all the knowledge and common sense to avoid danger, but still chose to ignore the warning signs and did nothing to help themselves. That would seem pretty reckless, right? In fact, even animals are usually smart enough to run from danger. What does it say if a person, who has the ability to think and reflect, chooses not to use those abilities?
Living without watchfulness is a bit like walking blindfolded along the edge of a fast-moving river. The chances of falling in are huge! Sometimes, people are blind to their actions because they never really learned to pay attention—but other times, they choose to close their eyes on purpose, refusing to think about whether what they’re doing is right or wrong. Either way, the risk is the same.
A big problem in today’s world is that many people don’t stop to think about their actions. They just do what everyone else is doing, or follow their habits without ever asking themselves, “Is this the right thing to do?” The result is that people can make mistakes or get into trouble without even realizing it.
There’s a passage in the Bible (Jeremiah 8:6) that describes this kind of behavior: “No one regrets their evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone just keeps running forward, like a horse charging into battle.” In simple terms, people keep doing what they’re used to without pausing to reflect, and that can lead them into all sorts of problems.
It’s important to realize that sometimes, we keep ourselves busy on purpose so we don’t have to think about our actions. In a way, that’s what the Pharaoh did in the story of Exodus—he made the Israelites work so hard that they didn’t have time to think about changing their situation. In our own lives, the “busyness” we create can keep us from reflecting and making better choices.
The key takeaway? Try to make a habit of checking in with yourself. Ask yourself: Are my actions helping me or hurting me? Am I just doing things out of habit, or am I choosing what’s best for me and those around me? That little bit of watchfulness can make a huge difference in how your life turns out.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 