The WatchmanSample

What are the characteristics of a good watchman?

The number one thing any watchman must do is obey the Lord.

That is first and foremost, and if heeded, everything else falls into place. Time and time again in scripture we see every watchman needing to obey the written or spoken Word of the Lord.

This makes perfect sense because God Himself is the ultimate watchman. Who can see what’s coming up ahead more than Him? Who is more able to warn of consequences and guide us along the righteous path than Him? No one.

So job number one for any watchman is to take instructions from the Lord and not any other source. This especially excludes our own intellect and reason which can be extremely deceitful. Watchmen must weigh every thought or perceived instruction with the Bible to make sure it lines up with what God has already declared.

Another key quality is for a watchman to be bold and declare the whole truth in spite of opposition, unpopularity, and retaliation. What watchmen have to say is rarely easy or accepted. Many times people resist the words of watchmen because they are resistant to change. Very rarely does anyone enjoy correction even though it is good for us.

So watchmen must resolve to do the work the Lord has for them and not look for the approval of men. They have to be willing to tell the entire truth and not hold back any of what God declares, even though the temptation will arise to sugarcoat things.

We see multiple examples in scripture of God instructing His prophets to tell all that He’s told them, and His apostles not looking for the approval of men.