More than 50 times in Scripture God calls upon His readers to “take heed.” Frequently readers were charged, “Take heed to yourselves.” Moses and Joshua said more than once, “Take careful heed to yourselves” (Deut. 4:15; Josh. 22:5; 23:11). In Deuteronomy, Moses reminded Israel to take heed, lest they forget or be deceived or be ensnared by the evil one (4:23; 11:16; 12:30). The New Testament issues similar warnings for Christians to take heed lest they fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Elders are charged to take heed, not only to themselves, but also “to all the flock” (Acts 20:28). Preachers are charged to take heed, not only to themselves, but also “to the doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:16).
“Take heed” means “to hold to, to turn one’s attention to, to attend to.” This is one way that God calls upon us to “pay attention!” Our souls are at stake! Pay attention! The devil is trying to deceive you! Pay attention! The devil is trying to lead Christians away! Elders, pay attention! The devil is trying to change God’s word! Preachers, pay attention! Can’t afford not to!