Don’t Let Your Guard Down

I look forward each week to what God speaks through our Friday contributor Dave Trotta.
Be blessed as you read and apply what is written today.

I was recently asked to work overnight security at an event for my son in-law.  One of my primary responsibilities was to guard the door and make sure only individuals working the event were allowed to enter.

Given my main objective, what if I let my guard down, propped open the door, took a snooze and allowed anyone to enter without resistance?  Well, for starters, I could have put my son in-law and others at risk if someone was allowed to enter with harmful intentions.

In much the same way, we are responsible to diligently stand guard over the doorway of our minds to deny thoughts that are harmful to our walk with the Lord and only allow thoughts that will encourage Christ-like behavior.  The bible admonishes us to remain alert at all times because we have an adversary who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (I Peter 5:8).  And, the primary way he attacks us is through our thought life.

Unfortunately, often times as Christians, we choose the “anything goes” approach when standing watch over our thought life.  We prop open the door to our minds and say “come on in.”  We give the enemy free rein to launch his flaming arrows (Ephesians 6:16) and influence our mind with thoughts of discouragement, self-centeredness, unforgiveness, greed, and the list goes on and on.

However, instead of the “anything goes” approach, scripture teaches us to actively resist the enemy.  James 4:7 says to “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  Oh, and by the way, did you catch that last part?  When we resist, he WILL flee.  He has no choice, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

As Christ followers, we cannot afford to be passive in our thought life.  We have an adversary that seeks to destroy us and minimize our influence to those around us.  We have to be diligent and watchful at all times, resisting those thoughts that don’t honor God.

When it comes to protecting your mind, don’t let your guard down.