"Keep the Doors Locked"

 

“Keep the Doors Locked”

 

(About 20 years ago I conducted two workshops at a training conference on “Tearing Down Walls” and “Building Up Walls”. These appear to be contradictory but biblically there’s a place for both. In this and the following article I’m taking two other seemingly opposing concepts and showing how both are important as we seek to apply God’s truth to our walk with Him.)

The entrance gates to our community are closed and locked daily from 7:00pm to 7:00am and our Association often reminds us to keep our house and vehicle doors locked, all for the security of residents and our property. While insurance companies usually pay claims even if doors are left unlocked failure to lock them may cause delays and possibly result in increased premiums. So it’s always a good idea to lock up even if someone is away from their home or car only briefly. (There was a case in our community a few years ago in which the homeowners left the garage door open while picking up mail and found that jewelry was missing when they returned ten minutes later.)

When Paul and his companions were doing their missionary work God didn’t allow them to travel to Asia and Bithynia (Acts 16:6-7). They may not have understood the reasons for these closed doors but before long God’s purpose became clear to them (see the following article for “the rest of this story”). But please note they didn’t sit idly by—they moved ahead until God stopped them. (See “Stuck in Park” for more on this principle.) So it’s up to us to pursue the possibilities.

Centuries ago St. Augustine issued this warning: “Evil passes the door first as a stranger, then enters as a guest, and finally installs itself as master.” So it’s important that we keep the door of our mind locked to sinful thoughts with a healthy “think list” from Philippians 4:8 (NLT): “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” And when it comes to expressing our thoughts let’s remember Jesus’ warning; “…Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34), obey Solomon’s counsel: “…Guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” (Proverbs 4:23) and heed David’s prayer: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3). And don’t forget God’s prophet’s words for questionable times: “…Those who are wise will keep quiet.” (Amos 5:13, NLT). So, are the right doors locked in my life?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan