Be Encouraged: Guarding Your Heart with Kingdom Authority
Have you ever reacted negatively to something someone said—a comment, opinion, or stance that seemed short-sighted, insensitive, untimely, or just plain wrong? I know I have. And maybe, like me, you’ve felt an immediate urge to speak up—to correct, challenge, or make your perspective known, especially when you believed you were seeing “the bigger picture.”
Looking back, I now realize that what I once labeled as being “well-informed” or “insightful” was, at times, simply a form of pride. I had become more invested in making my point than in guarding my heart. Without even knowing it, I had opened the door for the enemy to plant seeds of self-righteousness, cloaked in what felt like justifiable reaction.
How could I have been so unaware? It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once.
But growth comes through reflection and surrender. I’ve since learned, and am still learning, the importance of guarding the doorways of my mind, ears, and heart. After all, these are the gateways to God’s temple. “Don’t you realize that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
As disciples of Christ, as His image bearers, we are called to live differently. We are given the authority and the responsibility to respond from a place of identity in Him, not emotion or ego. When the enemy tempts us with anger, fear, guilt, shame, vengeance, or the need to be right, we must return to the truth of who we are in Christ.
Remember these powerful scriptures:
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Luke 10:19 (NLT)
“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
So let’s walk in that authority. Let’s crucify the old self and refuse to let anger, pride, or fear compromise our Kingdom position. The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is not just a list; it’s our spiritual antidote to the toxic reactions that don’t reflect Christ.
Be encouraged today. You are equipped, empowered, and called to live from a higher place.
That is all. Be encouraged!