“And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harbouring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].” – Ephesians 4:27 (AMP)
A building includes a roof, windows, walls, and very importantly, doors. Structurally, doors not only add to the design look of a building, but they also serve as a main point that attracts attention and allows people to go in and out. If there were to be a break-in, the most likely way in would be through the door. So, as a person living or working in a building, you close your door to avoid intrusion and feel safe.
As believers, you are a building that houses God’s spirit while your heart is the door to your soul. The devil continues to seek and devise ways to gain entry. Your mandate is to continuously ensure to dispel and drive off any attempt, no matter how little, of the devil to infiltrate. We ought to guard our hearts, for out of it comes the issues of life (Proverbs 4: 23).
Paul had a fair knowledge of the devil’s antics. No wonder he admonished the Corinthian church, and by extension, us, “to keep Satan from taking advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11 AMP).
Our anchor verse explores ways we unknowingly let the devil in. For example, anger and bitterness are traps believers must avoid. Your feelings are valid; you were hurt. But the next question is, “What will you do about it?” Will you let it grow like a builder constructs a house from the foundation to a huge structure?
The good news is the scriptures have anticipated such situations and advise us to shut the door. (Ephesians 4:31-32; 6:12-17; Colossians 3:5-15). Let the word of God dwell in you so you won’t fulfil the desires of the devil (Colossians 3:16; Galatians 5:16).
Are you struggling with addictions? You can shut the door by avoiding triggers. If the heart is the door, the eyes are the windows to the soul. Combat unwanted content by using God’s word and blocking entry points for triggers. Get off social media or limit phone use, don’t renew that subscription, and decline invitations that lead you astray. God wants to help, and you can conquer sin by His Spirit.
Beyond protecting against human intruders, shutting the door keeps rodents and pests out. Like unchecked small sins can grow into major issues, a few pests can morph into a full-blown infestation. It’s far easier and cheaper to shut the door now than to deal with a pest problem later.
Dear believer, guard your heart against the devil’s tricks. Put on the full armour of God as your shield. Dwell in prayer and immerse yourself in God’s word. If the devil is relentless, we must be vigilant.
Shut the door today. Stand firm. Stay fortified.
Bible Reading Plan: John 16