Do Not Make Room For the Devil

Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

...And do not make room for the devil. Ephesians 4: 27 NRSV

In the midst of his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul is trying to reaffirm a sense of unity in this community of believers. He gives lots of advice in trying to deal with conflict. It is okay to be angry, Paul says, just don't let your anger last longer than a day. To do so is to make room for the devil.

In other words, if you let your anger fester too long, then the devil is going to use it for his own purposes.

I have heard not to let the sun go down on your anger toward your spouse. But Paul is talking about your church family. Anger that festers is bad in a marriage. It is worse in the church.

Give the devil an inch, and he will take a mile!

But anger is not the only thing that gives the devil some room.

What are some other ways that "Big Red" may take advantage of in your relationships with others in the church?

How can we go about filling in those gaps?

Let's begin today!

God, help us to fill in the gaps where satan may enter in our church communities. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

You need help!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 10-13 NRSV

I can do it myself.

Those of us with small children have probably heard this often. Those of us with even older children may not hear this but see it in action on a daily basis.

And I am truly guilty of trying to do it (all) myself.

I would rather get it done my way, in my time without having to ask for any help. Also, I like doing it without appearing weak or helpless.

But Paul point us in the right direction: toward God and God's power.

This is not a battle you can fight on your own, with your own strength. No matter how physically fit you are, you will need God's power and God's protection to withstand what is truly dangerous. You may possibly not put much stock in the devil's power. Nevertheless, we all need God's strength to be the people whom God calls to carry out God's mission and message in the world.

Don't try doing this on your own.

You need help: God's help.

God, we need your strength, your full armor and your power. We cannot do this on our own. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What battles do you need help with right now?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Getting Angry

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Ephesians 4: 26-27 NRSV

These verses were written for all of us. They address those who get angry quickly and let their emotions out. They address those who let their anger simmer for long periods of time.

For those who get angry and let it all out: Don't sin.

Sin includes saying hurtful things, acting violently, breaking the commandments just because you have let your emotions take over.

For those who let their anger simmer: Don't let the sun go down on your anger.

This includes dealing with your feelings and not letting them become either self-destructive or passively aggressive.

For everyone: Do not make room for the devil.

The devil can use explosive anger as well as simmering anger equally effectively.

It's okay to be angry. God just wants us to learn how to deal with it before the devil does.

God, help me to be angry but not to sin. God, help me not to let the sun go down on my anger. God, let me not make room for the devil. In your son's precious name I pray. Amen.

Question of the day: How can you avoid making room for the devil when you get angry?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims