Spiritual Strongholds

“Do not give the devil a foothold…” (Ephesians 4:27).

The Greek word for foothold is topon. It comes from the Greek word meaning “place” or “space”. The Greek word topos literally means a location, a plot of space.

It is interesting that the Bible translators have been translating this word as “foothold.” The imagery is someone wanting to close the door but another person places their foot on the ground jamming the door. Even if the person who puts their foot on the ground jamming the door is a much smaller person, the door is effectively closed.

The question is, then, how do Christians give the devil a foothold? It begins with our thoughts. When we entertain thoughts that are ungodly, thoughts contrary to the truths of scripture, those very thoughts begin to shape our view of reality. And, soon, we begin believing lies so that we are no longer able to differentiate between truths and lies.

Elisabeth Elliot writes, “Spiritual strongholds begin with a thought. One thought becomes a consideration. A consideration develops into an attitude which leads to action. Action repeated becomes a habit, and a habit establishes a power base for the enemy. That is a stronghold.”

She’s right. Sinful strongholds all begin with sinful thoughts.

Do not give the devil a foothold. Snip it in the bud. You, and only you, are the only person who can control what your mind thinks about and dwells on. Start shaping your mind with the truths of scripture so that you can identify the lies of the devil.

Finally, when the FBI trains their agents to identify counterfeit bills, they don’t study counterfeit bills. They spend thousands of hours with the real bills. When they come to know the original well, they can see a counterfeit from a mile away.

Get to know the real thing. Get in God’s word.