Ezekiel 3 talks about the spiritual watchman. I'm about 99% of the way to declaring that if you're a Christian, then you are charged to be an Ezekiel 3 watchman.
Even if that's not the case, a devout atheist, Penn Jillette, has a perspective that all Christians should think about.
In this short 5 minute video, Penn talks about when a Christian wanted to give Penn a Bible. Rather than making fun of the Christian's beliefs, he praised his actions. The gist - if you believe what Christians believe, then how much do you have to hate someone to NOT share that with them.
Please share this video with your Christian friends (though you may want to apologize for stepping on a few toes).
We find the other watchman in Ezekiel 33 - this is the physical watchman.
Here we find the watchman on the wall keeping lookout for coming threats. When he sees the approaching sword, he is to alert the people so that they can be ready to defend themselves.
I wish the modern Christian would learn from this example - that we are not to merely sit on our butts and pray, but to be ready (prepared if you like) for what's coming. Rather than be thankful for the warning, the watchman is belittled for lack of faith, and they expect God to do everything for them without having to lift a finger.
The path I followed resulted in me finding myself in the role of an Ezekiel 33 watchman. In case you wonder why I do what I do, you can find the explanation in that chapter.
While it is not the sword I see coming, the financial collapse that sits on our doorstep is just as deadly.
The last few years I've been sounding the warning - learn to raise your own food, have access to water and have the resources to make it safe to drink, and be in close proximity to others. Pretty close to the model we see in the Amish way of life.
It takes time to learn the skills our not too distant ancestors knew. I believe it's even more of a challenge to rebuild community even to the level it was just a few decades ago.
The signs say we're getting close to reaping the results of our financial (and spiritual) misdeeds. if you are not already in your community, raising all or most of your food, it's probably too late.
I'm not saying to not make preparations. To do nothing guarantees that you will be a victim.
The modern Christian has become quite friendly with this world. Which brings us back to the Ezekiel 3 watchman.
The advice I give in The Financial State of the Union is not about preserving your wealth. Most is about preserving your life, but the top of the list is "have your spiritual house in order." Perhaps that should be a bit clearer:
Repent - and make sure you are among the wise virgins.