Empty and Vulnerable

In the 4^th century BC, the Greek philosopher Aristotle developed a hypothesis about the characteristic of space. He wrote that “nature abhors a vacuum.” The principle was that as soon as an area is emptied of content, something will come along to fill up that space.

Jesus described a parallel spiritual principle. He spoke of a person who had been freed from the influence of an evil spirit. While this was a victory, it also created a condition of vulnerability, for something, or someone, would fill that empty space.

Jesus described how, if that person did not take action to replace the evil influence with the power of God, that spirit would return and find its former home “empty, swept, and in order.” It would bring along with it seven spirits that were even more evil. Thus “that person is worse off than before.”

Jesus wanted us to realize that we always are subject to attack. Satan continually looks for ways to influence us. Our minds, hearts, and emotions are vulnerable to the influences of Satan and the world. To keep from being victims, we need to fill our lives with God’s Spirit and His Word and think His thoughts.

Today, don’t allow yourself to be empty and vulnerable. Ask God to fill you anew with His Spirit. Every day, fill your mind with His Word. Memorize it, meditate on it, and declare its principles to be true. Make sure that you are ready for the attacks of the enemy.