From the Editors April 2, 2012 Issue

Keeping a good watch

The Editors

The words of the motto for this magazine, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch,” were given by Christ Jesus in a parable to his disciples just before the elements of his crucifixion began to come together (see Mark 13:33–37). In this parable, he used the word watch three times, culminating in this fourth imperative statement. Since the instruction addresses all Christian followers for all time, the full intent of such a statement is something to consider deeply and often. Daily. Hourly. Asking ourselves what we are to watch deserves a clear answer, not only to ensure our faithfulness and resulting safety, but to lovingly and conscientiously preserve our understanding and proof of God’s kingdom here and now. Holding a good watch over our thought is the recipe to carry out God’s intention for mankind’s ultimate salvation from all mortal misery. It is the purpose of this magazine to constantly keep that mission before human consciousness.

As he is preparing for the terrible ordeal that awaits him, Christ Jesus imparts to all who follow him, the need to be alert. We might say he’s telling us to be at the top of our game, ready to confront apparent evil and defeat it, to be alert to the subtle ways wrong concepts try to slip into our thinking, sometimes in the guise of right ones. Constant preparation equips us. No one would sign up for a piano recital without the necessary hours of practice.

Watch all the ways the Christ presents itself to us in every thought and action.