Am I an easy target?

I recently preached at our new Oxford Road location about standing firm and not being easy prey for the enemy.

The Apostle Peter writes that the enemy prowls around, looking for someone to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8-11). Jesus warns that Satan’s only mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10).

As I’ve been chewing on these passages, these questions come to mind:

• Am I easy prey for the enemy?

• How can I guard my heart, be aware of the enemy’s schemes, and resist him in temptation?

six areas you must shore up before year’s end

I’ve discovered six areas you need to guard against so you don't give the enemy access to your life and relationships:

1. Bitterness. Anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment (see Hebrews 12:15).¹

2. Selfish ambition. Selfish ambition can be understood as motivation to elevate oneself or to put one’s own interests before another’s. It is a self-above-others approach (see James 3:14-16).²

3. Envy. A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck (again, see James 3:14-16).

4. Greed. Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food (see Luke 12:15).

5. Anger. A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility (see Ephesians 4:26-27).

6. Unbelief. An absence of faith (see Hebrews 3:12-14).

Four essential tools for living above it all

We’re not simply victims, though, unprotected from the enemies of our soul. In fact, the tools God gives are effective to keep us (see 2 Corinthians 10:3,4).

1. Choose forgiveness

We don’t forgive because we feel like it. We forgive because we've been forgiven.

We've received mercy and grace from our heavenly Father, so we can pass that on to those who’ve offended us.

By praying for those who persecute us and blessing those who curse us, we cleanse our own hearts from the poison of bitterness.

→ See Colossians 3:5-17 and Matthew 5:43-48

2. Practice contentment

How would your life change if you were content with what you already have?

As we refuse the cultural lies that possessions or experiences can fill us, we’re freed to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. Only then can we discover a life that’s rich because of our deep, personal, eternal relationship with God.

→ See 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Luke 3:14; Philippians 4:11,12; and Hebrews 13:5

3. Trust in God (for your provision and promotion)

Trust is an act of humility that sees the power and goodness of God. It sees our own weaknesses and the limitations of our abilities to save ourselves.

Scripture highlights that those who trust in the Lord have outward evidence of their trust: joy, peace, confidence, and even a radiant countenance (see Psalm 34:5)!

→ See 1 Peter 5:6; James 1:17; Psalm 75:6,7; and Philippians 4:19

4. Strengthen your faith (through God’s word and his people)

You’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” right? Well, the same applies to our soul and spirit. What we consume—read, listen to, and look at—impacts our feelings, thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

As we feed on Scripture and receive encouragement from others, we’re strengthened.

→ See Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 10:24,25

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus be upon us as we diligently guard our hearts and remain faithful to him.

¹ Unless noted otherwise, definitions are by Oxford Languages, part of Oxford University Press.

² “Selfish ambition and vain conceit.” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/selfish-ambition-vain-conceit.html.