Gates of the City

Watching the news today in regards to the Mississippi flooding there was considerable concern mentioned regarding “sand boils.” For those who don’t know what those are, according to Wikipedia these “occur when water under pressure wells up through a bed of sand. The water looks like it is “boiling” up from the bed of sand, hence the name.” As I watched them addressing the seriousness of these occurrences I was strongly impressed that this phenomenon actually has a equivalent that similarly takes place in both the moral and spiritual realm as well. I say moral as well as spiritual because there are many people who are not godly who really believe they are “good people.” They have consistently lived their lives by a defined level of morality and have therefore kept themselves in their minds distinct from those they consider to be a more abase manner of people.

However, as is life, there are times when circumstances get out of our control and these external pressures steadily build up. When this happens, the moralities of these individuals are invaded by the same pollutions they had thought themselves to be greater than. If challenged regarding their moral change or outburst of behavior it is quickly explained that it was only because of  the extenuating circumstances; there is a defensible justification for their apparent change of conduct. If it had not been for the forces beyond their control they never would have reacted the way they did, therefore (they argue) their behavior should be considered “justifiable” and would be debated so if the matter were to make into a court of law.

On the other hand, in application to the spiritual realm of the life of believers we know there is always going to be outside forces seeking an inroad into our hearts. Sometimes we can be overly confident in the pious levee we may have erected in our hearts against sin, but the adversary is as cunning as he is patience. He looks for every little crevice and weak spot for a means of encroachment. Once he has broken through behind our defenses the same water on the outside begins to infiltrate the inside and soon the area around the breech becomes saturated, unstable and further erosion can take place.

What first appeared to be harmless with perhaps even clean water bubbling up soon becomes a fountain of iniquity undermining and destroying the foundation of the saint. These infiltrations set in motion little by little spewing the same water and corruption of the world into the heart of the believer, while the adversary continually provides seemingly irrefutable arguments of justification for the calamitous affairs happening in the heart. Regardless the lies of justification men are still without excuse, for whatever is not of faith is still sin . . . and all sin is sin, a deadly force meant to separate us from our Redeemer.

Brothers and sisters please keep yourselves humble and allow the Holy Spirit to thoroughly examine your hearts lest the work He has begun in you should be weakened by the adversary’s resourcefulness and ingenuity. If we are not careful our hearts can become hosts, not to sand boils, but sin boils. Remember, our adversary comes as an angel of light and his suggestions and arguments may seem harmless and reasonable, but just as no lie is of the truth, no sin is benign. Every acceptance of the believer of such a justification that may seem harmless is actually a weakening of the heart.

I have heard it over and over again, even from my own children, “I don’t see what the problem is, what is wrong with (add whatever).” It is not a matter of distinguishing the wrong as it is defining the righteous aspect of our choices. Are we truly about the Lord’s business, seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness? Is the will of God being honored in our lives, or are we using our “liberty” as an occasion to our own carnality and flesh? We must remember that as warriors the first aspect of war is a good defense, a sure stronghold whereby the enemy cannot get at us. But if we become over confident and piously trust that our levee of religiosity is adequate then we have already fallen asleep on our watch in matters of righteousness.

We have been redeemed so we can be partakers of the divine nature by having our affections on the things above. Christians are to be vigilant, watchful, earnest, diligent, fighting, running, contending, conquerors and overcomers. These are the words that are to be attributed to those who are not asleep in the night. Never forget we have a cunning adversary who has sent a flood of deception and lies out of his mouth in an attempt to carry us away from our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, I know, nothing can pluck out of His hand . . . but just as Balaam couldn’t curse the Israelites walking with God, he was still able to counsel their enemies how to cause sin boils in their hearts so as to draw them away from God’s blessings and protection.

The “morally good” may think they have a “defensible justification for their apparent change of conduct,” but as Christians we have none. We are without excuse, for our Father and Savior have given us not only forgiveness, but a victory over sin through His blood, as well as a light for our path by His word and an indwelling Comforter and Teacher by giving us His Holy Spirit. We have been given the power to become sons and daughters of God.

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

 Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.  17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 

Guard your own heartland . . . grieve not the Spirit, perfect holiness, live for the King.

Peace.