My Question on Social Media

My Question on Social Media



My question on social media was this: “What are some things we do that ‘give place to the devil?’” I was pleased that several people responded, and I’ll give some of those shortly. 

https://www.facebook.com/connie.wohlford/posts/2651768951526931

First let’s consider what it means to “give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4: 27 NKJV).

Various Bible translations say: 

·         “nor give place to the devil.” NKJV

·         “and do not give the devil a foothold.” NIV

·         “and give no opportunity to the devil.” ESV

·         “and do not give the devil an opportunity.” NASB

·         “Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.” MSG

In Ephesians 4, Paul gives practical instructions to the Body of Christ—equipping the saints—on how to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1b NKJV).


Much sound advice is given throughout Paul’s epistle. As I read, I was drawn to verse 27, and asked myself, “What do I tend to do or not do that gives place to the devil?”


Though Paul wrote it with regard to handling anger, I wanted to consider it regarding life in general. 


To see it in the context Paul intended, look at verses 25-27: “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. ‘Be angry and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”


Boy oh boy, when we’re mad, its often hard not to give the devil a foothold through our thoughts, our speech, or our actions.


“The Greek word for place (topos) emphasized that believers can actually give ground in their lives to satanic control.” * 


Please ask yourself what are ways in which you give the devil a piece of your territory—a foothold—a crack in the door. 

For me, there are several situations where I’m vulnerable in this area. Just to name a couple: when I’m hurt or offended, or when I see someone taken advantage of. In such instances I need to guard my heart and watch my mouth. (Proverbs 4:23-27) 

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV  <>  ²³Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ²⁴Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. ²⁵Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ²⁶Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. ²⁷Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

In the comment section below, feel free to give some of your own responses to my question.


Here are some of the answers I got from my social media question:


Kate - Hang around when people are gossiping or being rude, watching movies, media, or ads that make us question God's goodness or provision, not staying with a Sunday school class or home group for encouragement and accountability.


Johnny – For when you are angry you give a mighty foothold for the devil


Cheryle - Believe his lies. When we give in to anger or being offended or bitterness or unforgiveness...


Nancy - Self-pity and complaining.


Ellen – Gossiping.


Robert – Careless talk   


Leila – Concentrating on temporal things more than spiritual things


Odessa - No longer having the fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom and understanding and departing from evil. To do otherwise is giving a place to the devil.


Andrea - Holding on to bitterness and offense is a huge way! The root word of offense comes from the word for bait inside of a trap. If we let offense take root in our heart it will open up to all kinds of other problems where the enemy can build a stronghold.


Cheryl – Not putting on the Armor of God.


Shirley – being out of obedience.



When I posted the question a couple of days ago, it was not my intention to gather blog material, but the responses were so good I decided to share them here. Hope you found them helpful and encouraging. After all, iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17)  


Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

*Spirit Filled Life Bible – New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; commentary, page 1793

A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)

Part 2.  A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)          

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

              God’s Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.       

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:1-5).

John was speaking of Jesus—in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. When Jesus came into the world as a man, a Light that mankind had not known, came into the world. That is the light that illuminates the way of Creator God. 

John, the Gospel writer, goes on to elaborate in verses 6-17. He told of John the Baptist coming as a witness of Jesus being the Christ and saying that John bore witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:7-9). 

With words like these and evidences of consequences, (mentioned in a previous post), faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many professed believers indifferent to God’s Word, which illuminates our way? Why is a small percentage of Jesus followers actually studying His Truths? 

Paul’s instructions to Timothy hold true for all believers. He said, Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15).  

Some of us memorized this verse as children, but we may have either not been taught what it meant or were not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably me. 

Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that, even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi-regular devotional type reading of it. I even had a desire to read through the whole Bible and get into systematic study. 

But, in reality, it seemed that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it was no wonder, since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my early 20’s, I began to hunger for more of the Truth of God’s Word and started into actual study it.

I married young and soon had two sons. I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I didn't do so myself?

I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my heart, I knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my hungry soul and living water to quench the thirst in my spirit. I also knew my Bible contained direction to light my path, which often seemed crooked.

So what was Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul was telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. For Timothy, at that time, it would be the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word study, as they knew it in Greek, is spoudazo, meaning “to make effort ... be diligent, endeavor, labor.” (Strong’s #4704)

So Paul was telling Timothy that he needed to consistently study. The verb is present imperative, meaning this was to be Timothy’s regular practice. He was to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. With diligence and effort he was to do so and thus please God and become knowledgeable and an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”

Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we didn’t have enough knowledge, or we simply didn’t know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and don’t like finding myself in that position.

It’s through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and close enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power. We'll have wisdom to say, “I don’t know,” when appropriate, as well.  

Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under biblically sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We’re never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that comes with it, helps us recognize and walk in the light of God’s Word.  “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!   

©Connie Wohlford 2015