Open Doors
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
James 4:17
What types of movies or television shows have you been watching? Who has been occupying your time the most? What types of conversations have you been involved in? What type of online content has consumed most of your day?
In a familiar story found in Genesis 3, we read about an interaction that altered the intended course of life. In this specific chapter, Eve is having a conversation with the serpent who was deemed as being the shrewdest (cunning) of all animals. It was a conversation that caused her to lose sight of and reject what was meant to keep her safe and live the life that God intended. Her willingness to entertain the serpent opened a door to a great consequence.
[Genesis 3:6] The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her…
Now think back on the questions that I presented earlier and answer them in the light of Genesis 3. What outside influences have you been entertaining so much so, they have convinced you to step out of the will of God. Keep in mind, the will of God is what you once knew to be the truth. Are you aware of what doors have been opened in your life? We give access to the enemy when we entertain things or people who are contrary to God's will for our life. That "simple" conversation could be more damaging than you imagine. That relationship could be bound by unhealthy soul ties. That 60-second video you watched on Instagram may have exposed your emotions to more than what you could handle.
Eve was convinced (deceived) that the lie was the truth and felt more inclined to please her fleshly desire. Her wanting the wisdom reflected the state of her heart (character) and that her desire was more appetizing than the covenant design to protect her. The wisdom that seems so appealing was more than what she could handle and it opened the door to willful disobedience. Willful disobedience opens doors to consequence and shame, separating us from God. This is what happened to Eve (and Adam).
So what open doors do you have that need to be closed? Who have you given access to that has convinced you that the lie is the truth? What has separated you from the Father? God knows what's best for us and His ways are loving and perfect. He will never allow us to be tempted beyond more than we are able to handle and will always provide a way out [1 Corinthians 10:13].
Open Doors to Consider:
UnForgiveness/Bitterness
Fear/Worrying
Lust/Sexual Immorality
Slander/Gossip
Fortune Telling/Horoscopes
Lying
Prayer
given access to my heart to things and people that oppose your will for my life. Father, You deserve honesty from the heart. Today I admit that I have open doors that lead to ways of thinking and actions that are outside of your will. I've Father forgive me for my disobedience and giving way to my own desires. Help me to walk through this process of surrendering my all to you. I exchange my heart of rebellion for a heart of obedience. Allow the love of Jesus to break the yoke of bondage and shame. Today I submit to your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
