A Call to Vigilance: Why the Church Needs Its Warrior Watchmen

Vietnam gave us a new term: fragging. While official histories report fragging as targeting superiors, some veterans recall a different kind of battlefield justice—if a sentry fell asleep, his brothers sometimes responded with extreme prejudice. In war, soberness and vigilance are not optional. In the church, spiritual apathy can destroy entire communities.

The Commander’s Order: Be Sober & Vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)

During my last deployment in Afghanistan, two of our teammates were caught exchanging goods for betelnut, a local stimulant. As soon as this was discovered, our entire team underwent a health and comfort inspection. They were stripped of their weapons and placed under constant watch, pending disciplinary action.

My mentor, who manned spy planes in Vietnam, stressed the importance of enemy intelligence. He lives by 1 Peter 5:8:

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

The enemy of your soul never sleeps.

Sober-mindedness means thinking clearly and staying alert. In war, it’s about having current intelligence; in spiritual life, it’s tuning your mind to God’s Word and listening to the still, soft voice warning of the enemy’s approach. It requires discipline, rehearsal, and focus. On any battlefield, the enemy adapts.

Soberness isn’t just given; it’s maintained through rigorous training until it is second nature. A Marine can assemble his weapon blindfolded because he’s trained for the worst-case scenario. A mature Christian relies on the Word of God, not his understanding. On the battlefield of your soul, a lack of soberness causes collateral damage.

What “Vigilance” Means for the Spiritual Warrior

Vigilance means maintaining a constant state of alertness. Who would remove their flak jacket in the middle of a firefight? The enemy is relentless, waiting for you to drop your guard. Discipline, focus, self-control, and dependence on Jesus Christ are our only defenses against the world.

You can rest at camp, trusting those who guard the perimeter—just as we can rest in the completed work of Christ, knowing it is His mighty power that overcomes. Vigilance is a battle posture—keeping your armor on until the mission is complete, not relaxing until the perimeter is secure.

The Divine Armor & The Open Radio Link

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Does the enemy attack when you’re expecting it? Or when your guard is down?

Remember: we don’t wear our own armor—we wear God’s, forged not in human might but in the victory of Christ.

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

Keep your radio link open; talk when you must, but always listen.

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13).

The Unique Eye of the Veteran: Recognizing Modern Enemy Tactics

Psalm 84:7 promises, “They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”

Your best days are not behind you. Were you in Vietnam? You know NVA tactics. Our spiritual enemy also uses infiltration and subversion within institutions. The entire body needs your experience. Did you serve post-9/11? You understand asymmetrical warfare, IEDs, and an enemy who adapts. These tactics are at play in churches today.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

Pay attention. Wolves often speak fluent “Christianese.” Ambiguity and deception go hand in hand. Vigilance is your only buffer on this long march.

"Having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:5)

Have you wondered why you’re not getting fed? Protect the flock. The Lord wants to reconcile your service with your faith. Your enemy is patient and slick. You know better.

Our Call to Action: Embracing the Watchman’s Post

This is where you, as a veteran and a discerning believer, come in.

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16)

Stay faithful. Stay clean. Expect resistance. Deceivers will call you divisive; passive brothers will call you reactionary. Build a wall around what you hold most dear. Stay close to Christ, trust him in the furnace of affliction, and the enemy can’t touch you.

"Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness... you have delivered your soul." (Ezekiel 3:19)

Sound the alarm. Take a stand. The Lord has prepared you to stand in the evil day.

Valor & Grace is here to equip you for this watch with free resources—our Armor of God 8-week study, monthly dispatches, and daily ammo to keep you in the fight. Reject passivity. Embrace this role.

Download the 5-Step Guide, access the Armor of God, download the June briefing, and subscribe for updates.