Guarding our Heart
During a time of preparation for our recent Youth Summer Camp, one of the day’s discussions was about “Guard your Heart”. This message struck my heart and stirred the spirit within me. Throughout these days with our youth, I stressed to them (as much as I could) about being careful about what we are watching and leaving ourselves vulnerable to. Even the smallest of sins can grow and cause much destruction.
The same applies to us as adults. We must guard our hearts more and more. With a determination to go undetected the enemy weaves his way into our lives more and more as each day passes. He works with a strategic plan and purpose to draw all potential Christians away from Christ. Keeping them (or us) busy and comfortable with the things of this world, leaving them (us) inactive and unproductive with the things of the Spirit.
Demonic Influence spreads like a Disease
On Sunday, dad mentioned how the devil and his demons have influenced and are influencing so many. He related the spread of this influence to an infection. Just as a disease spreads and takes over its host, so too does the enemy’s destruction. He starts small and takes more and more of its “host” until it’s rendered useless for the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:11-12 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. We see here that we must even be cautious of those who call themselves prophets. We see lawlessness abounding, and people growing cold. Why? Because the Demonic “infection” or influence, is (and has been since Adam and Eve) spreading like a disease. throughout the world.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
How do we Stand Guard and Guard our Heart?
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
So we must stand up, guard our posts. Be careful, be watchful and be wise, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived. We must not compromise our beliefs for anyone.
How do we stand guard? How do we fight our fight? The Bible is written for those who are in search of a Christian life and full of Godly wisdom and instruction. Are we pursuing a godly life? If not, what are we pursuing? Are we seeking God for instruction? What kind of life are we truly searching for? Are we building our relationship with Jesus so we can easily hear from Him?
Submit to God and Resist the Devil
James 4:7-8 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Proverbs 4:23- Guard your hearts, above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong
Today, we are reminded to be careful, watchful, prayerfully examine our lives and guard our heart from evil. A reminder to not allow the “infection” of sin and evil to spread in our lives. Some of us are today, being made aware that we have abandoned our posts, and the enemy is within our gates. What will we do about it?
Seek God for wisdom. Draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. Be strong, be on guard, don’t back down. Fight the good fight of faith until the end. He who endures will receive the reward! The Victory is ours to be won. But we have to get in the fight.