Daily Devo

Locking Our Open Doors

By: Keefe Wilson

Saturday, May 4, 2024

"...do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:27

While living in Okinawa, I left our doors unlocked during the daytime. I never bothered to lock our car either because Okinawa was known to be a safe place. But one day we returned home and found my wife's clothes strewn across our bed! The next day we found my coin jar spilled, but none of the coins were missing. We suspected our children, but when I asked them about it, they pleaded their innocence.

The next morning, it was still dark outside as I prepared to leave for early morning prayer. When I started my car, I saw a dark figure slowly rise up in my rear-view mirror! I was so startled I jumped out of the car in a panic. As I turned around, I saw the silhouette of a long-haired woman dressed in black get out of my car and disappear into the nearby woods. But when I checked the backseat for evidence, I found nothing... I literally thought I had seen a ghost! Days later, we found out this dark figure was a woman who had escaped from a mental hospital. She was entering houses in our neighborhood through open, unlocked doors and was causing all kinds of havoc.

As Christ followers, we know that locking our doors before we leave our homes is a simple yet essential act of security. But there are also spiritual doors we must lock to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our ministries against the temptations and snares of the enemy. When Paul wrote, "do not give the devil a foothold," it was not just a suggestion, it was a command from the Lord. God knows that our world is under a constant spiritual assault, and our enemy, the devil, is always looking for a door, a window, or a crack he can access. If we're not careful, we can leave the doors of our hearts and minds unlocked, which will allow the lure of worldly pleasures, whispers of doubt and fear, and the pressures of conformity to creep into our lives.

Just as we physically lock the doors of our homes, as believers, we must take steps to lock our spiritual doors. How? By developing a disciplined prayer life and regularly examining our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. We "lock our doors" to ensure that everything in our life aligns with God's Word, God's principles, and God's purpose for our lives.

Christ follower, lock those doors by being proactive, not reactive! Resist Satan's temptations and stand firm in your faith.