There were many similarities in my training for both of my careers in government service. One major thing that was stressed in the Marine Corps and law enforcement was to be aware of your surroundings. That goes way beyond common sense. It is often vital to not only your personal survival, but to your team as well. An awareness of your surroundings may lead to the gathering of key information, intelligence, or evidence. There is a real enemy or bad guy out there that does not have good intentions for your well being. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He uses deceit, traps, and lies to avoid capture or lead you to destruction.
This is equally true in our spiritual life. We must be fully aware of our surroundings. Our enemy, Satan, lies in wait for us. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. He may appear as an angel of light to lure us down a dark path toward an elaborate trap. Don’t be deceived by him. God has given us the Holy Spirit to discern and detect the presence of evil. His Word leads us and guides us along the path of righteousness. Look around you in all that you do and everywhere you go. If it doesn’t feel right, listen to the Lord’s prompting. Don’t plunge into a situation without first assessing the potential dangers.
How many times have you gone recklessly into a situation that you knew was wrong, but you really wanted to go there, so you went anyway? You ignored it and paid the consequences for it. I certainly have! So it’s not just enough to be aware of your surroundings and wander in anyway. You have to identify the danger and deal with or remove it… or turn away from it. God has given us wisdom and we need to use it!
John 10:10 (NLT) - The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.