Guard the Goal

This week Chris and I received some heartbreaking news about someone we love and respected. A man who was anointed by God succumbed to the lies of the enemy. He is a fallen soldier and the repercussions of his actions are far reaching.

While processing this scandal, I've felt many different emotions - shock, disappointment, sympathy, anger, discouragement, sorrow. Anytime one of our own falls it's hard to accept. Sadly, this happens more often than I care to think.

When a 'hero of the faith' fails, two things immediately come to mind:
First, it reminds me to pray diligently for our spiritual leaders. They are under constant attack by the devil. While satan wants to see all Christians destroyed, I believe spiritual leaders, in particular, walk around with a target on their back. They need our fervent prayers of protection and blessing.

Second, we must keep our guard up against the enemy in our own lives. My son, Jack, is playing basketball. He's a great defensive player. He sticks to his man like flies on butter. He guards that basketball goal with his whole being. Nothing's getting in that basket on his watch!

We should be intentionally focused on guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 is red flag warning for us. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Our hearts are everything! We must choose carefully what goes in if we want good things to come out. We must protect and defend the health of our hearts as a good soldier protects his post!

Vicki Courtney once told the story of a young girl who failed to guard her heart. Several years ago, Vicki received a CD of a young female worship leader. The accompanying note introduced this girl as a gifted, up and coming, worship leader and would Vicki consider using her for an event. As you can imagine, Vicki gets many requests like this. She agreed the girl was talented but never had the chance to use her. A few years later, she heard this young lady on the radio, singing, "I kissed a girl, and I liked it". The young worship leader was Katy Perry.

Somewhere along the way, one decision at a time, this young worship leader let her guard down. She stopped protecting her most important asset. The repercussions of her choices are far reaching. (When I start to hear one of her songs, I pray for her and imagine the amazing testimony she can have when she comes back to Jesus.)

Friends, hear me clearly, God's grace is so far reaching. I pray earnestly for my friend to fall back into the arms of the Savior to receive forgiveness and healing. We're all in need of His mercy.

How much better it is though if we can heed the warning, guard our hearts with great determination, and stay out of satan's lair! Oh Lord, grant us grace to guard the goal.