Before a soldier goes to war, he is thoroughly prepared through intense training in various skills needed on the battlefield. He needs to be familiar with how his weapons work and must know their limitations. The soldier must also understand the weapons his enemy will use against him, as well as the terrain on which they will battle. Knowing the terrain allows a soldier to know where to find water, which routes to avoid, and enables him to predict his enemy’s movements.

During basic training, a soldier learns skills in a classroom-type scenario; he is expected to pay attention and learn through observation. When he enters the battlefield, he puts his training to use, preserving his life and that of his fellow soldiers. The soldier must be constantly alert and observe his environment for possible ambushes.

Being a teenager today is like being a soldier in a war zone. The society—which is ruled and influenced by Satan, “the god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4)—is vile and corrupt, putting our lives in constant danger. We are at war—and the battle is being waged on a spiritual battlefield: our minds!

In the war for your mind, you have to be alert to overcome the enemy. The Bible warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8).

Pay Attention!

The Bible instructs us to be vigilant—to watch prophetic events as they come to pass so that we are not caught off guard: “Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come” (Matt. 24:42).

Notice: “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober” (I Thes. 5:6).

We in the Church of God have been called to be separate from the world, away from society’s various distractions. We are soldiers in the army of God (II Tim. 2:3-4), moving ahead with purpose.

You have been granted the privilege of growing up in God’s Church, and this privilege puts you at the forefront of the battle. Watch and pray (Luke 21:36), to be counted worthy to escape the horrendous events soon to come.

In God’s Church, you are given the training that will enable you to be victorious. God’s ministry teaches you how to protect yourself and wage spiritual warfare, explaining what weapons you have and how to use them. Your training comes through sermons and sermonettes, as well as Church literature and personal instruction.

You will have to constantly watch world events, as trends are likely to affect you. Watching helps you develop character. Coming into God’s Church as a youth brings you to the training ground where the ministry can teach you what to expect on the battlefield. But they cannot alter your mind or thinking.

You must do your part, through daily observation. After you leave each Sabbath service, you have a duty to continue educating yourself by honing the skills you have learned.

You need to daily watch world events in order to be alert, keeping you fit and prepared for battle. This generation has a privilege above previous ones in the sense that it will see the fulfillment of prophetic events foretold thousands of years ago.

How Can You Watch?

Read the latest “World News Desk” reports at rcg.org/realtruth, where important global issues are covered regularly.

Read a newspaper that reports on world events.

Use the Internet to browse the thousands of newsroom websites that provide access to news from all parts of the world. This is the quickest and most effective way of accessing information in this age.

A weekly visit to a library will give you free access to major newspapers. You can plot trends that develop in the world.

Watch the news on different television stations and keep up with developments of breaking headlines.

You have a distinct advantage above the youth outside the Church. You are constantly being updated through God’s ministry regarding the most important events happening around you. Paying attention to what is said in Sabbath services is a crucial way to stay informed.

God is offering you a wonderful opportunity to be a leader in the world tomorrow. As such, you are expected to be prepared and educated for the task that awaits you.

Arm yourself with the tools given, just as a soldier preparing for battle. Watch world events—and you will be able to combat and overcome these turbulent times.