A Foothold
It seems like eons ago that my children were small and loved to come with me to Lifetime Fitness. Those outings were big field trips that we all enjoyed. Well, they probably enjoyed them more than I did! All four kids loved the rock-climbing wall. They would eagerly get in their harness and begin their scramble to the top. Even the smallest would step and push, grab and pull her way far beyond my comfort level. I can still see their proud smiles as they waved to me from twenty feet above.
As beginners, though, the kids would often get themselves stuck and not be able to reach the next handhold or foothold they needed in order to make vertical progress. On their next climb, then, they would alter their path. They had the advantage of small hands and feet, and could thus make use of even the smallest of holds.
On a rock wall there are many jugs, slopers, crimpers, underclings, pinches, and pockets: those brightly colored holds of different shapes and sizes. Depending on the difficulty of the chosen climbing path, the holds are larger or smaller and are spaced accordingly. It surprised me how, as their skill increased, the kids could wedge their feet onto the smallest nub and deftly step up to reach their goal. Their footing was sure even though the foothold was small, smooth, and rounded.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he contrasts what it looks like to live without Christ, and what it should look like living in Christ. In chapter four he admonishes the reader to live lives of truth, leave behind our former ungodly nature, and be, “constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Eph. 4:23 AMP). This renewing should bring more and more truth, and more and more love. Without this constant renewal, we are left susceptible to our enemy. Behaving in an untruthful, unloving, and ungodly way gives our enemy an advantage we do not want him to have.
Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
Eph. 4:27 (AMP)
Like my small children, the devil can make use of even the smallest of footholds. What we may view as insignificant, he can use to make progress. Disappointment, hurt, anger, resentment, and even mere dislike toward others can provide him with the footing he needs to keep those feelings alive and growing in us. Instead of giving him that opportunity, we can follow Paul’s instruction.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph. 4:31-5:2 (NIV)
Keeping our mind on the extreme, lavish way in which Christ loves us and the tremendous sacrifice He made in our place is the way to get rid of those footholds. Reading the Bible every day fills those places, instead, with daily bread that provides strength for each day, wisdom for every situation, and mercy for every offense.
I pray that you will join me in some self-examination, and even be brave enough to invite the Holy Spirit to shine His light into your heart. His light is one of life and truth, and will expose those places where footholds are beginning to form (Eph. 5:9). Because God’s love for us is so great, and He has proven His love through the sacrifice of His Son for us, we do not have to be afraid to kneel before Him and to open our heart to Him (Rom. 5:8). He is faithful to remove the largest ledges and smallest nubs, leaving no opportunities for the enemy to make progress in our lives.
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)
