SA08 - “Keep Your Senses, Be Watchful!”

Ben had been working as a night watchman for years, patrolling the large industrial site that consisted of many intertwined facilities and connected buildings. His job was to keep a watchful eye on all the facilities of this caged complex. The job was not an easy one as he had to contend with a variety of challenges to remain focused and alert.

One of the biggest dangers Ben faced was fatigue. Working through the night, he fought the urge to let his mind wander or fall asleep, which could prove fatal if he missed something important.

As much as Ben tried to stay focused and alert, there were a few times when he faced unfortunate distractions. On one such night, Ben fell asleep and was awakened by his captain who showed up when Ben failed to answer his two-way radio.

Determined not to allow this to happen again, Ben decided to watch various interesting videos on his phone. He knew this was against the rules but felt that it was better than falling asleep, so he did it anyway.

Instantly, he was hooked. One moment he was watching a baby elephant stuck in a hole, totally mesmerized by the villagers who desperately tried to free it; next, he was watching a clip from the end of the most electrifying and riveting final championship game. He loved it. The algorithm constantly fed him everything from inspiring speeches to thrilling police chases, and sometimes the off-colored or sexually explicit video that needed to be fast-forward through.

One evening, unable to tune away from his device, Ben failed to realize that he neglected making his second and third mobile patrols. That is until he heard a loud crash. His worst fears had been confirmed as he looked at the closed-circuit monitors. A group of men forced their way through an exhaust vent, which lead out on to the dark alleyway that separated the buildings. By the time he realized what happened, it was too late. The men were exiting the main fire exit with what looked to be valuable equipment.

Ben blamed himself for not being more attentive. The incident served as a harsh reminder of the importance of "keeping awake" and "keeping on the watch." – Mark 13:32-37. Ben vowed to redouble his efforts to keep his mind focused and alert, even in the face of distractions and personal challenges.

Another challenge Ben contended with was boredom. Each night, he worked the same territory, walking up and down the same dark, empty hallways, checking the same rooms that contained the same machines, just to make sure everything was in order. There was no one else around, no signs of life, and it often felt like he was the only person in the world. He wondered if his job was truly necessary or if he was simply going through the motions.

Despite the predictability of his work, Ben was determined to keep his mind engaged and focused, just as the disciples remained busy while they awaited the conclusion of the system of things. Jesus had given them work to do, to preach the good news "in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8) They devoted themselves to that assignment and made the best use of their time. 

Invigorated, Ben found several ways to ward off boredom and remain engaged. He would listen to the Broadcast and other content from the website, allowing his mind to become immersed in a variety of stories and uplifting topics while he patrolled the corridors. He also used this time to learn a new language and practice his pronunciation. He figured that perhaps he'd one day use this skill to  reach out to those who spoke English as a second language. Ben made the best use of his time, recognizing that too much excitement could be dangerous, causing him to lose focus and make mistakes. 

To manage his expectations, Ben would set small goals for himself each night, such as finishing a chapter in one of his Bible-based publications or identifying a particular spiritual aspect he wanted to focus on. He would also take a moment to reflect on the importance of his job, reminding himself of the value of the work he was doing. Ben realized that when the conclusion comes, whether it is the conclusion of his shift, the conclusion of his life, or the conclusion of this wicked system, he would have no regrets. (Matthew 24:13)

In the end, Ben found that the key to staying focused and alert as a night watchman was to maintain a balance between the familiar and the unexpected. With a mix of routine tasks and moments of research and discovery, he was able to keep his mind engaged and his spirits high, making the long nights more enjoyable and rewarding.

We can do the same by remaining industrious in our preaching and teaching work and by keeping on the watch as we wait on Jehovah to bring an end to this wicked system. (Hebrews 6:11, 12)

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.