“Do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:27
Have you ever had an unrighteous or impure thought enter your mind? Since becoming a believer, during times when I have had a sinful or tempting thought enter my head, I would often follow it by thinking, “I sure hope the devil didn’t hear that.” Because if he did, I just knew Satan would throw that temptation in my path as I went about my day.
After listening to a sermon recently, I was reminded that only God is all-knowing and all-present. While the devil has powerful intellect and knows many things from experience, only God is omniscient and omnipotent.
Sin starts in our minds. James 1:13-15 says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
The desires of our heart guide our mind. When a sinful thought enters our head, it can only take root if we allow it to. Since the devil is not all-knowing like our Father is, the devil will only take advantage of that sinful thought if we begin to stray to where the devil dwells.
A person enters the devil’s territory the moment they step past an initial thought. Satan is roaming outside the safety of the person’s mind and prayer life, waiting for a specific chain of events to occur. Initial meditation and curiosity, even if innocent at first, can begin a domino effect. 1 Peter 5:8-9 reminds us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
And though our thoughts and desires can lead us down dangerous paths, we will likewise encounter circumstances that happen beyond our control, where we will face challenging choices and decisions.
My son and I were in an automobile accident earlier this year. The damage to my vehicle and to my body was significant. A younger driver made an unwise decision that resulted in the wreck, and “the flesh” initially had many things it wanted to say to the other driver. I am utterly imperfect, but I do pray every day for God’s wisdom, patience, and kindness. When the other driver finally approached me to apologize, the flesh vanished and the Holy Spirit took over, providing comfort and forgiveness for what had occurred. I was immensely grateful for the manifestation of Galatians 2:20 in that moment – “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
For I have no doubt that in the absolute chaos that ensued after the accident, the devil was prowling like a lion waiting for me – a self-proclaimed Kingdom-daughter – to utter judgment and harsh words, thus completely diminishing my testimony.
Even though we live in a sinful and depraved world, the Scriptures found in the Bible are still as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, in regard to avoiding temptation and living righteously.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11
Do not move past that first thought. The devil did not hear it, so do not let him get a foothold. Immediately give the thought to God, ask for forgiveness, and move forward.
However many times necessary.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5