Living Ahead

Years ago in insurance school, I learned a proactive security measure for homeowners: keep shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential hiding places for would-be intruders. If only it were that easy to spiritually secure the human heart! Before he murdered his brother, God said to Cain: "Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7). The wise Believer will acknowledge sin's pitfalls but the wisest will both acknowledge and identify them. Satan approaches us in many forms; he lurks often casually and disguised. As Jesus sent out His disciples into the world, He said, "Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16). Believers have been given the gift of The Holy Spirit to help rightly and wisely distinguish that which seeks to overtake the heart. I suggest one of the most lethal dangers to righteous living today is the failure to distinguish the lines of enemy territory because we are not spiritually shrewd as Jesus commanded. So, how do we identify the enemy so that we see him coming - traps and all? “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9). Yes, knowing and keeping God’s Word of Truth! Trimming the shrubbery is probably cheaper but many homeowners today have home security systems. God’s Word and The Holy Spirit are effective in sounding the spiritual intruder alert as long as it’s properly “installed.” Don’t be caught off-guard; always be prepared and ready … live ahead of the enemy!