A gate is a structure like a door, which is used at the entrance to a field, a garden, or a building. The gate is very vital to preventing or controlling the ingress and egress in a place. A gate is usually maned by a keeper whose responsibility is to open or close the gate. The word ‘gate’ is mentioned many times in the Bible, and this depicts its importance.
There are certain gates that should be kept in order to live in holiness, and maintain victorious christian living. *“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”* (1John 2:16). The above scriptural text highlights three different gates through which the devil infiltrates the lives of people. Everything in this world is summarized into these three gates which are aided by lusts and pride. Since the believers don’t live in a separate world, it is very imperative for them to be wary of these gates. The first is the lust of the flesh, which is the Adamic nature or the body of sin. This is the natural man, which must continue to die on a daily basis in order to live in the Spirit. If the gate of flesh is not closed, it may make people to fall into temptation. Apostle Paul lamented in Romans 7:24- *“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death.”* The destinies of many people have been truncated, because they did nothing to control this gate. Samson, who was specially anointed, eventually danced shamelessly before his enemies when he could not control his appetite for women. Friend, you must shut the gate against the flesh, and stay focused on your goals and aspirations. Don’t succumb to the dictates of the flesh, or the suggestions from pressures of the world. The second gate is lust of the eyes! No doubt, the physical eye is very key to aid vision and direction. However, it is important to screen what you see, because it can lure you into sin. Today’s world is full of perversions, and practically everywhere you turn to is a potential source of immorality. There are many cases of indecent dressing, unholy association etc., even in the church. The onus is, therefore, on every child of God to be careful of how he looks and what he sees. You must be determined to look away, even when you accidentally catch a glimpse of what is not edifying. Don’t have a second look, and determine not to process it further in your heart. The third gate is the pride of life! When this gate is not closed, the devil allows people to be carried away by their achievements and endowments. He drives them away from God, as they make boast of their wealth or resources.
Beloved, keep your gate from the infiltration of the enemies. Constant meditation on the word of God, regular watchfulness in prayer and living a purposeful life will help in keeping these gates. God bless you richly. (To be continued). *SHALOM*
