Would you leave your front door wide open for strangers to walk right in? Would you leave your keys in the front door? Or how about leaving the key in the ignition of your car with the doors unlocked? For most of us, our answer would be no. However, I must confess, I may have done one or all of them unintentionally, at some time in my life. Unfortunately, in the times we are living, we shouldn’t give strangers access to ourselves or our personal property. Most of us lock the doors to our houses and cars and don’t leave the keys in a place where someone could steal them.
In the natural world, we have enemies that want to kill, steal, and destroy; it is the same in the spiritual world. John 10:10 says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” We have a spiritual enemy that wants to kill, steal, and destroy our lives. The enemy does this when we leave a “door” or “window” open.
Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 that we have an adversary (an enemy, the devil) that roams around looking for whom he can devour (destroy, demolish, consume). Peter informs us that the enemy walks about like a roaring lion. One of the key words here is “like.” The enemy isn’t actually a lion but is trying to act like one to scare us. His bark is worse than his bite and all he can do is roar.
1 Peter 5:8 says to stay sober and to be vigilant. The enemy can’t do anything to believers who stay sober, vigilant, and who don’t give consent or cooperate with the enemy—meaning, keeping your windows and doors shut and locked. Of course, I’m using windows and doors figuratively. This means don’t give the enemy any access to your spirit, soul, or body. In the spirit realm, this would entail keeping your eyes focused on Jesus and spending one-on-one time with God. This is especially important to do first thing in the morning before you start your day. I try to do this before my feet hit the floor—maybe a quick, good morning and I love you, Lord!
Being sober means that nothing is causing you to slow down your brain function; for example, avoiding drunkenness of your senses and your soul, such as stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed with the concerns of the world. To be vigilant means to be alert, watchful, and to never be caught off guard.
How does 1 Peter 5:8 relate to healing? Sickness is an enemy that wants to kill, steal, and destroy your life. When you are sick or not feeling well, it impacts the quality of your life. The thief is stealing and robbing you of precious moment of your life that isn’t being lived to the fullest. If a doctor has given you a bad report, that report might be trying to give you a death sentence. These are all lies of the enemy. If we look again at John 10:10, the second half of that scripture says that Jesus came so that you may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus came in order that His children could live blessed, healed, delivered, and prosperous lives. The word “abundantly” means plentiful, in large quantities; and Jesus even added the word “more” in front of abundantly. We are blessed beyond our ability to comprehend.
When we read our Bibles, spend time with God, meditate, sing worship songs, praise God, and sit quietly and listen for God’s still small voice we are in essence “shutting the door” to the enemy. Now, you can’t do this only one day a week and think you are safe and protected. This has to become a lifestyle. You should be doing this everyday for the rest of your life. You don’t lock the door to your house once, you lock it each time you go in or out.
As you look to Jesus to be the author and finisher of your life, lean on Him, have the Holy Spirit direct your path, and you will be limiting access of the enemy into your life. This doesn’t mean you will never go through trials; it will strengthen you in advance of any battle or challenge you may face.
Keep your door shut!
~Donna Jones