Lock the door!

The 4/27 verse of the day is from Ephesians 4:27, "Don't give the devil a chance."  (GNT)

I feel like this needs an exclamation point; not just a mere period.  This verse should be written on our hearts and posted in our brains.  Let's not overlook the wisdom of the Apostle Paul as he gives direction on how to live a successful Christian life.  This verse is an essential part of that.

Earlier in scripture, in Eph 4:26, Paul is talking about not letting anger lead us into sin.  Some versions of Eph 4:27 refer to anger giving the devil a foothold.  What does all of this mean to us?  I think it means that anger opens the door to all kinds of thoughts and behavior that can lead to loss of control and further sin.  If that door is open, the devil will take every chance to put his foot into our lives so he can always have access.  A lady once joked with my husband after a sermon, "Don't be gettin' in my house!"  Well, if the devil has his way, he'll be in your house lounging on your couch, sleeping in your bed and sitting at your table, waiting for you to serve him.  It's up to us to shut the door and lock it before he gets his foot into it.

I believe the devil is a stalker.  He lurks and leers and takes notice of everything we say and do.  After a while, he begins to recognize our hot buttons and tries to orchestrate things to trip us up at every opportunity.  He is like a puppeteer who pulls the strings and pushes the buttons of those who fall for his tricks and are vulnerable to him.  His job description includes verbiage like steal, kill and destroy.  We need to be aware of someone with a resume like this.  Let's not wait until we see him coming to post a "no vacancy" sign on the doors of our heart and mind.  Now is the time to alert the neighborhood watch that a prowler is on the loose.

The first and best defense against the devil will always be God.  He can slam the door in the devil's face better than anyone I know.  But just like humans, we're always answering the door bell or leaving the door open for an intrusion.  So how can we keep theft from this prowler at a minimum?  My take would be, if you're a candidate for anger management, maybe mellowing out would be a good idea.  Just lock the door and chill...and let God get the doorbell.