Most people today have locks on the doors and windows to their homes and automobiles. They lock things in safes and lock boxes, and tuck them safely out of sight. Some people even have alarms and security cameras on their homes to notify them if the doors or windows open, or if a stranger approaches. Much money is spent on locks, keys, alarms and security devices. Why? Simply put, they are protecting what is theirs and do not want a thief to come in and steal the things that belong to them.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10).
We have an enemy of our soul: the thief, the devil. He wants to steal the things in our lives that God has given us. Rich treasures like joy, peace, faith, hope, strength, salvation, healing, direction, zeal, passion for Christ, love, or anything else he can steal from us. We must make it impossible for him to break through and steal. We shouldn't leave the doors open or unlocked to grant him access to our lives.
"Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27).
Instead of locking those doors and keeping him out, many people leave the opportunity wide open; allowing him to come in and take over. Guard your heart, protect your mind, pray, study the Word, control your tongue, and trust the Lord. These are ways to lock the door to keep the enemy at bay. Jesus wants access to your heart, mind and life. Don't shut Him out. Don't ignore His knocking at the door. Jesus always knock and waits for you to open the door. He never forces His way in.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20).
Let the Lord in, keep the enemy out. God never takes from you. He only gives. The devil never gives to you, he only takes. Would you rather be given the blessings of the Lord, or stolen from by the enemy? The answer is obvious. Don't give the devil the opportunity to steal. Choose to not get angry. Choose to forgive. Choose to love. Choose your words wisely and kindly. Choose Jesus. Choose life. Protect what is yours.
How hard is it for the devil to steal from you? Do you make it easy for him? Do you give in to his lies and lose your faith or joy or peace or any other gift from God? Do you leave the door wide open for him to come in and steal from you? Failing to pray, neglecting the study of the Bible, association with the wrong crowd, worldly influence, sin, or any disobedience will allow him direct access to your life, then he can take anything from your life.
Be careful who you open the door to.
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