THE DEVIL'S FOOTHOLD

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For a guy who's terrified of heights, I should have known better. Some "young bucks" from our church were rock climbing at a beach outing. Observing them I concluded, "How hard can that be?” I was about to find out. Grasping a protruding stone, then another, I proceeded up the rock surface. Around fifty feet I encountered an impasse. I simply ran out of footing and could proceed no further. I considered letting go and dropping, but I’d gone too far. Hugging the cliff spread eagle, I cried out for help. Fortunately my son stood on the bluff above me. Maneuvering downward, he grasped my hand, guiding me to a safe spot where I found a foothold. Slowly making my way back to terra firma, I survived uninjured, other than my wounded pride. 

Finding a foothold can make the difference between life and death. But in another sense, scripture warns us not to give Satan a foothold in our lives. God’s word mentions only one sin which allows this to occur: anger. Ephesians 4:27 proclaims, "Anger gives a foothold to the devil." Think about it. How many sinful actions are rooted in anger? It’s an impressive list! 

Of course, anger itself isn’t a sin. The previous verse declares, “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). We handle anger in countless unhealthy ways: rage, bitterness, gossip, revenge. When we wallow in anger, Satan grabs hold of us, and off we go! It's not going to end well.

Consider these news headlines: "Man Kills Five after Arguing over Goggles"; "Sister Stabs Brother during Fight over TV"; "Man Strikes Woman on Way to Anger Management Class." These stories each ended in disaster, and they all began in the same way. Someone gave Satan a foothold. 

When we feel anger rising up in us, pause and breathe deeply. Refocus our thoughts on Jesus and rebuke the enemy. Let’s not give him a foothold for a single second. Leave him stranded on a cliff with nothing to grab hold of. 

  • In what situations do I find myself most vulnerable to yield to anger?

  • What steps can I take to avoid giving Satan a foothold?

Lord Jesus, when I experience anger arising in me, turn my heart to you and remove any foothold I give the enemy. 

 

Barney Cargile