Close the Door! – Abide in the Vine

The dog’s tail barely clears the opening, former procrastinators, before I hear “Close the door!” Mosquitoes rush in when the door is open.  We cannot see them or hear them, but in they come.  I don’t intend to let mosquitoes in; I’m just letting the dog out or checking the weather. My intention does not keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Sometimes we get something unwanted in spite of our intentions. What we perceive about ourselves and our intention doesn’t tell the whole story of what happens.  Under the Holy Spirit it’s our responsibility to keep out the ungodly. 

My intention may be to enjoy the story line of a TV series, but with that I get unwholesome language, immoral sex, occult practices. Though I don’t engage in those things, viewing them affects me in ways I may not readily perceive.  And God says no.  I must close the door to keep them out.

Some things are door openers.  They lead to unintended behaviors. No harm is intended with “gateway drugs,” but the introduction of them can lead to harm.  Adult and children’s literature, music, tv, movies, classes, etc. require alertness. Delaying action can be costly.

A friend tells about a family he knew.  The wife was cooking when she heard someone at the door.  She called out, “Come on in!  Dinner’s ready!”  She expected a family member, but in walked a vacuum cleaner salesman.  It took two hours to get him out of the house.  We need to know who or what we’re inviting in.  Sometimes it requires research.  It requires humility and willingness to learn if we want to keep our connection to the Vine tight.

We invite problems into our lives and into our family when we choose any way but God’s.  Our good intention has no influence on unseen evil forces.  The devil seizes that open door of opportunity to move into our lives to steal, kill, and destroy.

We must be alert to remove him and stop his efforts immediately.  We may have to sacrifice something we’re interested in.  Who will take preeminence?  Choosing God and His way may seem severe, but the alternative is costly.

One evening a young man unknown to us walked into our house.  The children watched as I stepped toward him.  “Can I help you?  You need to leave.”  No response, then, “This isn’t the Smiths’ house?”  He looked around.  “No, it is not.  You need to leave.”  No movement.  “YOU NEED TO LEAVE.”  Gratefully, he did.  It was unusual that I’d not locked the door.  I asked the children’s forgiveness.

We intend to have safe homes – safe houses, safe hearts, minds, bodies.  It takes vigilance to keep out the enemy, deceitful invaders whose intentions despise Christ.  A practically helpful resource for me has been Reclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan – and the workbook.  You’ll find them useful.

Where has the enemy taken advantage of your intentions to work his evil?