| Strength and Beauty |
Chapter 14 |
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We are in danger of fancying in quiet days that the antagonism around us has ceased, and that we shall no more be assailed by evil. This is always a fatal mistake for any one to make. The tempter is never better pleased that when he gets us into this kind of confidence. We are then off our guard, and it is easy for the foe to steal in. When the sentinels at our heart doors and the outposts of the enemy get on familiar terms our danger is greatly increased. We are safest when we are fully aware of our danger. We are kept then ever watchful and on the alert. An important counsel, given over and over again in the Scriptures, is, “Watch that ye enter not into temptation.” Incessant watchfulness is quite half of every Christian’s defense.
We should never forget that no hand but our own can open the door to the tempter. Every man’s house is his castle, and no one can cross the threshold but by his permission. This is true of the good as well as of the evil. No angel of heaven can gain access to our heart unless we show him hospitality. Even God himself, with all his omnipotence, can enter only if we will; he will never force his way into our heart. With all the gifts of divine love in his hands for us, Christ only comes to our door and knocks, and stands and waits. We must open the door if he is to come in. The same is true of evil. No temptation can ever compel its way with us. Our quiet, persistent “No” will keep it out. If we resist the devil he will flee from us. We cannot hinder temptations flying about us like birds, but it is our fault if they build their nests in our heart.
The enemies without us are of many kinds. There are evil men who are under the control of Satan, filled with his spirit, and who come to us continually with temptations to sin. We need to be on our guard against these. They are among those whom we meet daily in our common intercourse. We cannot keep ourselves apart from them, and we need, therefore, to watch against their unholy influence. Many a young person is led away from God and into sin by a friendship which at first seems altogether harmless, and even sweet.
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