“The heart is but a small vessel; and yet dragons and lions are there, and there poisonous creatures and all the treasures of wickedness; rough, uneven paths are there, and gaping chasms. There likewise is God, there are the angels, the heavenly cities and the treasures of grace; all things are there.”
~St. Macarius
OK, I admit it. I am fully capable and fully able to do just about any sin or deceit. It’s my dubious claim to fame. I can easily think of a 1000 things that I could do rather than serving God. It seems my name is ‘Legion.’ To add to this, I have a chorus of support that wants me to give up my faith. Demons are really plotting to destroy me, while all along my flesh insists on being fed with ‘fresh sin’. (And I wonder why I’m getting gray hair.)
Within each of us is the potential and capability of doing great evil. Each of us is contested ground, with eternal decisions hanging in the balance.
My mental illness does not give me “a get-out-of-jail-free card.” I am just as responsible as anyone else when it comes to choosing good vs. evil. Somehow I’d like to think that since I am deeply flawed because of my depression, it can actually make it somewhat easier to admit the truth. Maybe? (Perhaps that’s about the only edge I get.)
In Greek mythology there were three beautiful, but dangerous bird-women called “Sirens.” With their music and voice they seduced sailors to shipwreck on the rocks. It was said that there was few or any could resist them. Since they had to be neutralized somehow; some would plug their ears with beeswax, while others tied themselves to the mast.
The Bible has promised us the Holy Spirit. The very presence of God has reached out His hand to hold me against the onslaught of evil forces. He truly does hold me in place, and His Word gives me the things I need to defend myself. Yes, the darkness can be very strong–but is no match to what God can do for me. We live in a very difficult age.
The intensity of seduction has increased. Tying yourself to something is probably a good idea.
“Keep yourself pure.”
1 Timothy 5:22
When the voices begin to lure you, you had best be ready with a plan. The spiritual mast we have before us is the person of Jesus Christ. Call on Him and then tether yourself to His mast (the cross.) He has all power and all love for you. You can resist the darkness, you can!
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Related articles
- He is still our Deliverer! (livingmoreabundantly4christ.com)
- Struggling With Disobedience? Making Better Choices Is Not Enough. (stopsines.wordpress.com)
- Entering into the Presence of God (newlifeinternationalchurch.wordpress.com)
Broken Believers 
Bryan, you are right. The time to plan your defense against evil is now, not when it besets you.
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