Read Luke 12

A fencing match begins when someone calls, “En garde, prêts, allez!” The first French term, en garde, literally means, “On your guard,” and it warns participants to take a defensive position.

In Luke 12, Jesus warns His followers to be on guard against four spiritual perils. We must take a defensive position in a world where God’s enemies and our own flesh would entice, entrap, and destroy us. First, be on guard against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (v. 1). The Pharisees kept God’s rules diligently. By every appearance, they seemed to be extremely devoted to God. But Jesus warns against admiring and following them. They prioritized rules over mercy and love, focusing on outward deeds instead of inward hearts.

Second, be on guard against the wrong kinds of fear (vv. 4–7). Don’t fear physical harm. Don’t cower before violent men. Instead, fear the judgment of God, who,by righteous decree, can choose to punish you eternally for your sins yet loves and provides for your needs.

Third, be on guard against greed (v. 15). Don’t misunderstand the purpose of life and think it can be acquired by stuff. Physical wealth lasts only for a moment. And finally, be on guard against worry (v. 22). If God feeds the birds, why should you worry about food? And if God clothes the flowers, why should you worry about clothing?

Jesus’ warnings may seem difficult to heed. How do we rid ourselves of sinful attitudes like hypocrisy, fear, greed, and worry that rise up in us almost against our will? The answer is in verse 32: “Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” As we remember God’s generous love toward us, we can learn to trust Him more fully. And trust in the Lord is the antidote for our fears, worries, greed, and hypocrisy.

APPLY THE WORD

In addition to the threat of attack from God’s enemies, another reason for taking an en garde position in your spiritual life is the imminent return of Jesus. We are servants of God left in charge of the lamps, waiting for our Master’s return (v. 48). Those who have longed for His coming and resisted temptations as they’ve waited will be blessed.

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