an open window

Tonight, my freshmen girls' life group discussed the lies we believe about Satan.  It was incredible to me to realize, even though I was the one leading, how much power we give the Enemy simply by automatically accrediting him with the same attributes we accredit to God.  For instance, because God is omnipresent (everywhere at all times), we believe his Enemy is, as well.  When we believe God is omnipotent and omniscient, so we also believe his Enemy holds all power and knowledge.  And with these simple mistaken beliefs, we allow Satan the power to move in and have a place where he doesn't belong.  We also give him power when we are not careful to "seal" our life from dangerous influences.  It's easy to think we avoid danger until we realize it can lurk in a bad attitude, unforgiveness, an "innocent" horoscope, or an unfiltered viewing of a show.  Wherever we allow evil into our life, we are leaving a space open for Satan to creep in and grab hold of something.  This creates a foothold, which is what he uses to maintain control in our life.  So, we need to be extremely careful what windows we leave open.  We need to be careful to seal up the cracks in our lives.  When we question what harm a negative thought or bad attitude can really cause, we need to realize it is only opening a door to the enemy and saying, "Come on in!"  And I say, "we" simply because tonight I realized how much of the lesson had to do with me.