As a parent, one of the scariest things is realizing that you are given the life to take care of physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, etc... It is a huge, overwhelming burden at times. I dont know if you are like me, but many times I feel responsible for my children's soul. If I dont teach them the right verses or songs then they will never come to know my Jesus. I obviously know this is wrong and those thoughts are from the devil. What I do know is that we are to fight for our children, our marriages, etc... Here is what I mean.
It all starts in the garden of Eden of course. You know, the whole blame game. She did it first, he told me it was ok to eat it, etc... "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15. Some versions say Adam was to tend and keep it (the garden). The word keep that is used here in Hebrew is shamar. Shamar means "to exercise great care over." God commands Adam, "take care of," "guard," or "watch over" the garden. If Adam were following God's instructions, the serpent would have never entered the garden. His job was to be a guard and watch over the garden.
In this same way, God has given us our children, spouses, friends, relationships, etc... We are to be watchmen and guard over what we let into our homes, hearts and minds. Listening to a sermon this weekend, I was reminded that we are in a war. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
Satan is always trying to get his way into our lives. I have been examining my life and asking the question, where am I letting him in? Am I fighting for my marriage? Am I fighting for my children? Because I know the devil is trying. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
This war is going on all around us. You can see it everywhere you turn. Satan hates marriage. He especially hates marriages who are focused on Christ. He wants "the world" to teach us how to parent our children. He wants our friendships to be focused on gossip and earthly things.
How do we keep the enemy out? How do we fight the enemy? Paul tell us in Ephesians 6 to fight by putting on the full armor of God and by praying.
I have been really examining my heart and life in this matter. How am I fighting? Am I daily putting on the armor of God? Am I praying for my children, spouse, family, friends? Am I praying against what the devil throws at us? Am I making sure the serpent doesnt even get into these areas of my life?
To listen to the sermon that sparked all of these thoughts, go here.
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