The Wall

The Wall

I’m not sure about you, but I have built a lot of walls. Not physical walls but mental and spiritual walls. I think of all the times I have said I would quit eating junk food, or stop hanging out with certain people, going to certain places, etc. I had built a wall, but didn’t close the gate. I allowed the temptation back into my life over and over again. 

The Wall at Ft. Gaines

Sometimes the walls don’t just keep things out, but they can also keep the good inside. How many times have I decided to go back to church, or to read my bible every day, or even just pray every day? I guess the gates have been open and let those promises out quite a few times. 

In the book of Nehemiah, he talks about rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Even though others around him mocked him, and tried to discourage him, he continued to build the wall. It took a couple months but after it was completed, he didn’t just kick back and give himself a pat on the back. He appointed guards at every gate, instructed them to be locked and put a system in place to protect the city. He didn’t just trust that the wall would do the job. He knew that he had to take action to be able to secure the vulnerabilities in the wall.

How does that look like in us? Is that having someone holding you accountable for your actions? Throwing or giving things away that cause you to be tempted? Cutting ties with a friend or group that has a negative impact on your life? What about social media, does it cause you to fall short of your goals?

I can say that for me, I have all the best of intentions to make positive changes. When things go sideways, it’s typically the small voice in my head saying, one soda won’t hurt, or one donut, I am tired and don’t want to wake up early to walk, or I am tired of going to church I just want to watch it on TV. I find when I give in to those thoughts, it’s not long before what was a slight temptation or thought is now the norm.

This week, take a hard look at yourself and see what temptations you have been giving in to. Put up a wall and put systems in place to keep you from giving in again. It won’t be fun or easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you no longer struggle in that area anymore.

Think deeply, act boldly, and show up BIG!