Spiritual Pickpockets

"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up” (1 Peter 5:8-9a, The Message).

Ever been mugged? I hope not. Praise the Lord, I haven’t. Hmmm…or have I?

What exactly does “mug” mean? The dictionary defines it as to assault, menace or threaten a person with the intent to rob. In the Old Testament, God told His people not to consort with those enemies surrounding them (you know, all the -ites – the Amalekites, the Canaanites, the Amorites, and the others) because of their unholy ways. God separated His people to keep them holy. He knew that, if they mingled with the -ites, their holiness would be stolen.

As insatiable suitors, enemy -ites always prowl around in the back alleys of temptation, lurking under the shroud of seduction. Just waiting to jump out and mug us! Peter warns us of The Enemy -ite, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a Message)

What did the disciple John say was the enemy’s purpose? “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10 TLB)

So, what areas of our lives does the enemy target? Our:
* joy
* peace
* health
* comfort
* finances
* holiness?

What are those sticky-fingered muggers, those spiritual pickpockets, that the enemy uses to assault us, menace us, and rob us?

How about doubt, worry, unbelief, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, cheating, stealing, depression, murmuring, jealousy/envy, complaining, rebellion, hypocrisy, bitterness, lying, lust, pride, judging, gossip, addictions, marital affairs, porn, other impure thoughts, negative attitude, speaking against others, busy schedules, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

Any one of these -ites can be hazardous to the health of our bodies and our spirits. Guarding our hearts is so vital, in all we see, hear, and do.

So, what are the -ites, the petty thieves that entice you, desiring to invade your heart’s home and snatch away your treasures? Does their wooing prompt you to pack your bag of temptation, sneak out the window of your room of separation, climb down the ladder of immorality, and run off with these vendors of swill?

Unless a “No Solicitors” sign is posted, a heart that does not fully pursue God will be enticed by outsiders selling their wares and will run off with any swindler. Remember, where you are on Saturday night represents who and what you say you are on Sunday morning! What you do and who you are with will either draw you toward God or draw you away from Him.

Let me encourage you to hang onto what you have gained spiritually. Guard those treasures with all your might and all your faith, as Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT).

Question: What picks your spiritual pockets?