The Open Door

Opening Verse

“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” – Mark 14:38

Introduction

Struggles with the flesh can feel overwhelming. Often, we wonder why sin seems so persistent in our lives. Yet, like leaving a door open on a cold winter day, we allow access for the enemy when we leave the flesh unchecked.

Devotional Story

A man lived in a warm, cozy home. One winter day, he left his front door wide open, inviting the icy wind inside. He shivered and complained about the cold, piling on blankets to stay warm. His neighbor stopped by and asked, “Why don’t you close the door?” The man shrugged, too distracted by his misery to act.

This story is a picture of how we struggle with sin. We battle temptation while leaving the “door” to our flesh wide open—allowing unguarded habits, unchecked desires, and worldly influences to dominate. Instead of closing the door through prayer, discipline, and the Word of God, we cover ourselves with temporary fixes, ignoring the root problem.

What This Means

When we fail to crucify the flesh daily, we give the enemy access to sow chaos. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” This is the key—walking in the Spirit requires vigilance, repentance, and dependence on God’s power.

Think About This

• Are there “open doors” in your life, allowing the flesh to dominate?
• How can you intentionally guard your spiritual life today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often leave the door open for sin to enter. Forgive me for my carelessness. Teach me to guard my heart and walk in the Spirit daily. Help me to close every door to the enemy and rely on Your strength to overcome the flesh. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25