Called to Be Separate

           Our minds are like fortresses. These fortresses have gates that provide entrance. God has given us the power to choose who will rule over the fortress of our mind. Will it be God, or Satan? We can choose either one, but one of them will rule there.

            The Christian chooses God as the Lord and King of his life, including his mind. Yet Satan does not complacently accept this decision. Rather, he seeks to invade the fortress of the mind and recapture it for himself. He diligently searches for any gate that may carelessly be left open, even for a short while, and there he makes his entrance. And be certain that he will make the most he can of this opportunity to invade the mind with his thoughts, his values, and his emotions.

            In the story of the Trojan horse, the Greeks created a plan to conquer the city of Troy, which they had been unsuccessful in accomplishing for years. A large wooden horse was built. Inside it secretly hid some of the Greek soldiers. When the people of Troy were finally led to believe that the huge statue was a harmless gift, they brought it into their city. Only when the horse was within the city walls, and the citizens were drunkenly celebrating their victory, did the soldiers emerge and open the gates to the rest of the Greek army outside. The city was defeated.

            Before the horse was admitted, one wise Trojan citizen is said to have warned, “Do not trust the horse, Trojans! Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks even bringing gifts.”

            There is some doubt about the historical veracity of the Trojan horse account. However, as a parable, it has great meaning for us. Today, Satan uses similar tactics. He hides his soul-destroying plans inside something beautiful, interesting, and curious. He presents it as a gift, something harmless and beneficial.

            Many Christians have opened the gates of their minds to one or another of Satan’s Trojan horses. Often it is the Eye Gate that swings open to admit his pleasing gifts. Sights attract their eyes, but as they continue to look, sin stealthily enters into the fortress of the mind.

            Satan’s horses come in many beautiful styles and forms. They are deceptive, promising peace but delivering a deadly blow. So many are passively opening the gates to their minds. They are allowing Satan easy entrance, hidden inside these beautiful horses. Who will be like the wise man of Troy? Who will speak up and fearlessly say, “Do not trust the horse!” There is danger inside it! Do not trust any supposed gift that comes from Satan!

            We must take a hard look at what is coming into the Eye Gate of our minds. This can be painful, and yet, it is necessary. Our salvation could be at stake. We cannot afford to be defeated by Satan. Pray earnestly that God will show you if there are one or more Trojan horses in your home. If there are, waste no time in casting them out. Dear friends, do not trust the horse!

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