The Emancipation Proclamation pronounced release from bondage to the enslaved, but it required vigilance. Troops went to Texas to enforce freedom. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” wrote Ida B. Wells decades later in the final chapter of her autography. The pioneering investigative journalist died in March 1931 and never finished that chapter. However, her tenacious life and legacy established that vigilance is virtuous.
In her book Southern Horrors: Lynching in All Its Phases, Wells’ attentiveness to the rampant, repulsive act of lynching gave voice to the violated. Her observance of gender inequities spurred interest in defending women’s right nationally and internationally. Her prudence brought honor and dignity to Black lives.
Vigilance was an important facet of the apostle Peter’s message in his first letter. He addressed first-century Christians steeped in an environment of hostility and increasing oppression. Peter urged them to persevere in the faith amidst the ongoing persecution. He reminded them to be vigilant because our enemy the devil is always looking for an opportunity “to devour” someone (1 Peter 5:8).
The first-century call to remain vigilant persists in history to the present day. Peter encouraged fidelity to Christ through vigilance. Wells exemplified love of neighbor through vigilance. Evil and temptation subsist in everyday society and our spiritual journey. As Christians, we should be cognizant of both truths.
