The Open Door

While most people I enjoy a lovely garden view from their picture window, we have a deer feeder which automatically spreads corn twice a day. Unfortunate for Mr Bill, the local raccoons like corn, too. So for the past several evenings he’s had the back door wide-open while doing his best to persuade raccoons the corn is not meant for them. Now, an open door may not be so alarming to some but the thought of nocturnal creatures and-or critters venture inside – well, it’s frightening! Oh, how we leave our heart’s door open to worldly intruders! The psalmist writes, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (Psalm 119:37). The Hebrew phrase “turn away” carries with it the concept of alienating oneself from something. Turning away from or cutting ourselves off from something can be tough especially when it’s pleasing and enjoyable. The opposite of an alien would be a friend, and Scripture warns us of being friendly with the world: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4). We are wise to consider the doors we’ve left open to the enemy (Satan) – be sure, he’ll venture right on in!