"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." - Psalm 127:1
In today's world we have lost the value of roles in society. Everything now is run by governments and/or big business. But long before the systems of the world there was a different kind of ruling and authority established. Within that rule there were different roles given to individuals who the King perceived as worthy. We probably most commonly associate this with times when men wore stockings and women were beheaded. But there resides a kingdom which exist beyond our physical realm and yet is more real than the skin we live in. And there are those appointed in this kingdom with a very demanding job, to stand on the walls of the city and keep watch.
As the name suggest, watchmen are those few that are appointed to keep a watchful eye for anything unsuspected to occur. They work long hours and all through the night, as that's when the enemy likes to attack. This goes without saying that it's not easy staying awake while everyone else is sleeping. And I know I've fallen asleep on the job before. Who honestly enjoys being alone in the darkness? But what joy it is when you see the first sliver of day light and the sky turns from black to purple to blue to orange to yellow to blue with a slight shade of green in between.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps." ... "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:1-4, 13
As Christians we are all called to keep watch, in a sense being watchmen, but there is a distinction between watchmen of the city and those being mindful of their own personal actions. Please note that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ and this is something that was in my heart to share. I hope this blesses you.