In the Harry Potter books and movies there is a character named Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody. While there is debate among fans as to whether or not Moody actually said and encouraged “constant vigilance” against those who have committed themselves to the “dark arts” of magic, it is a phrase widely attributed to him. Hermione Granger attributes the saying to him, which is good enough for me.
The phrase came up in a conversation awhile ago, while I was talking to a friend about the insidious nature of sin and the dangers of temptation. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We stand sentry. But so does Jesus.
The spiritual life is active, not passive. Be on guard. Be active. Constant vigilance.
