This week’s devotions are based on Week 8 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
Ask any sales man and what do they want, “A foot in the door.”
Ask any new college graduate who is applying for jobs and what do they want, “A foot in the door.”
When you have a “foot in the door” you know you have a chance to enter all the way. A salesman looks for any contact at a large company that could prove a lucrative sale because they know if they are given a little opportunity, it could turn into a big opportunity. The same for a college graduate (or anyone searching for a job), if they get a small break and a person gives them an interview, they know they have a chance to get hired and move up in that company.
Satan loves a foot in the door too.
He knows that if he can just get a little influence in your life, he can work his way into a larger influence. It doesn’t take much.
You get a little angry at an individual…he can open that door until you have full out hatred toward that individual.
You take a few little things from the office justifying it in some way…he can open that door until you embezzle thousands of dollars.
You take a glance at an internet page that shows sexual content…he can open that door to full immorality or adultery very quickly.
You get the idea?
It’s no wonder that as we consider living as children of light, the Spirit of God says, “DON’T GIVE SATAN A FOOTHOLD!”
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Not stated, but implied is the opposite. Slam the door on Satan and keep him out of your heart. Rather, open the door for the Spirit and continue to allow him free reign in all you do. Because just like giving Satan a foothold leads to greater sin and its consequences, so giving the Spirit a foothold leads to greater good and blessings. Just these few verses speak to the blessings.
When the Spirit takes hold, there is greater unity among God’s people.
When the Spirit takes hold, there is greater truth that is spoken.
When the Spirit takes hold, there is greater ability to help those in need.
When the Spirit takes hold, there is less room for the influence of Satan.
And that’s a good thing.
Apply: In what areas of your life has Satan gotten a foothold? With the Spirit’s help and power remove the grip of Satan and replace it with the truth and activity of light and goodness.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I allow Satan a foothold into my heart. With your Spirit, strengthen me to slam the door on Satan and bring greater influence from you into my life. AMEN.