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Open to Attack




1 Peter 5:6-8 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 


What three signs of vulnerability does the enemy look for in leaders? Where can he inflict the greatest damage on the Kingdom? When am I most susceptible to attack?

 1. Pride - We are cautioned to humble ourselves! I get prideful when I think that what I have accomplished is all my doing. It is when I begin to look at my success without a heart of gratitude for God and for others. I am moving into a vulnerable place when I think I know it all and my heart and mind are closed to wise counsel or God's Word. Pride grows in my heart whenever I sit back on my credentials and convince myself that I no longer need to wash feet. Pride sets in when I self-righteously put myself in the position of judge by the commentary I make on the lives of others without seeing the brokenness of my own life. I become an easy target when I forget my need for God.

2. Worry - We are cautioned to "cast all anxiety" on God. When I allow anxiety and worry to paralyze my life, I put myself in a place of vulnerability. When I think I can solve all of my worries on my own and alienate myself from vital union with God and other key relationships with people in my life, I set myself up as an easy target...a sheep separated from the shepherd and from other sheep. When I allow my greatest fears to affect my attitude and my confidence, the enemy can so easily enter my heart and defeat me before I ever enter the game. As long as the enemy keeps me on the sidelines of life and kingdom work, He weakens me and the Kingdom effort. I am an easy target for the enemy when I forget God's strength.

3. Lack of Self-Control - We are cautioned to "be self-controlled." When I offer myself "outs" and "excuses" for the disciplines in my life that I know bring me health physically, mentally, and spiritually, I put myself in a place of vulnerability. When I don't observe boundaries for quiet time with God, exercise, and family, I am allowing my life to slip from places of strength. Over time, without even noticing, I can find myself an easy target for the enemy's attack.

Today, I will seek to live my life close to God. Through His strength and care, I can remain strong and live with complete victory over the enemy!

 Lord, I acknowledge today that I can oftentimes put myself at risk when I fail to walk closely with You. I am stronger, more loving, more Christ-like, when I rely fully on You every moment of every day. Help me to serve You with humility today. Help me to cast my burdens on You and rely on my closest faith friends to help me in the places where I worry the most. Help me to practice disciplines and healthy boundaries in my living so that I can remain strong in You. Amen

 Jerry Sweat is Lead Pastor at Beach Church in
Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

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