February 24th, 2025
by Rose Marie Abraham
by Rose Marie Abraham
Guarding the Gates: Recognizing Modern Day Barbarians
In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, we face an invisible yet potent threat - barbarians at our gates. These aren't the sword-wielding invaders of old, but rather subtle influences that seek to infiltrate our minds, hearts, and spirits. As people of faith, we must be vigilant watchmen, guarding not just physical entrances, but the gateways to our souls.
Jesus spoke of this spiritual warfare when He said, "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep." (John 10:1-2) This powerful metaphor reminds us that there are forces seeking to bypass our defenses and steal what is precious to us.
Throughout history, gates have symbolized protection, power, and identity. They marked the boundaries between "us" and "them," between safety and danger. In our spiritual lives, we too need fortifications - not physical walls, but discernment and wisdom to recognize threats to our faith and values.
The challenge lies in identifying these modern barbarians. They don't announce themselves with war cries or brandish weapons. Instead, they often come disguised as harmless, even beneficial, influences. Jesus warned us, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
So how do we spot these wolves in sheep's clothing? Jesus gives us the answer: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16) We must become fruit inspectors, carefully examining the results and impact of ideas, philosophies, and influences in our lives.
One of the most vulnerable gates we must guard is our "eye gate." What we allow our eyes to see can profoundly impact our hearts and minds. King David's fall into sin with Bathsheba began with an unguarded glance from his rooftop. In our digital age, this gate is under constant assault. Our phones, computers, and televisions can become Trojan horses, bringing destructive influences right into our homes and lives.
We must be especially vigilant in protecting the innocence of our children. Many young people today are facing identity crises and confusion, often stemming from exposure to ideas and images their developing minds aren't equipped to process. As a community of faith, we have a responsibility to be watchmen on the wall, guarding not just our own families, but looking out for all the young people in our sphere of influence.
The enemy is crafty, often presenting spiritual dangers wrapped in seemingly innocuous packages. Practices that appear to promote wellness or self-improvement may actually open doors to harmful spiritual influences. We must be discerning, always measuring new ideas against the timeless truths of Scripture.
In the face of these challenges, we can take heart in knowing we have a Good Shepherd watching over us. Jesus said, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:9-10)
This Good Shepherd doesn't just stand guard - He laid down His life for His sheep. On Calvary's hill, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. He allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and crucified, all so that we might be saved from the true barbarians that sought to destroy our souls.
As David beautifully expressed in Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." When we place our trust in this Good Shepherd, we find not just protection, but provision, peace, and purpose.
However, this doesn't mean we can be passive. We are called to be active participants in guarding our spiritual gates. Here are some practical steps we can take:
*Be mindful of what we allow into our minds through media consumption.
*Cultivate discernment by regularly studying God's Word.
*Surround ourselves with a community of believers who can help us stay accountable.
*Pray for wisdom to recognize subtle spiritual dangers.
*Be watchful over the influences in our children's lives.
*Examine the "fruit" of new ideas or practices before embracing them.
*Remember, the barbarians at our gates today may not carry swords, but their potential for *harm is just as real. They seek to rob us of our faith, our values, and our very identities in *Christ. But we do not face this battle alone. We have a Good Shepherd who has already won the ultimate victory, and who continues to guide and protect us.
As we navigate this complex world, let us hold fast to the promise found in Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.
May we be vigilant watchmen, guarding our gates with wisdom and discernment. May we recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd amidst the noise of would-be deceivers. And may we walk in the abundant life Jesus came to give us, secure in His love and protection.
Let us take heart and stand firm, for though the barbarians may be at the gates, our God is greater. He is our fortress, our shield, and our ever-present help in trouble. With Him as our guardian, we need not fear. Instead, let us boldly proclaim as Joshua did, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, we face an invisible yet potent threat - barbarians at our gates. These aren't the sword-wielding invaders of old, but rather subtle influences that seek to infiltrate our minds, hearts, and spirits. As people of faith, we must be vigilant watchmen, guarding not just physical entrances, but the gateways to our souls.
Jesus spoke of this spiritual warfare when He said, "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep." (John 10:1-2) This powerful metaphor reminds us that there are forces seeking to bypass our defenses and steal what is precious to us.
Throughout history, gates have symbolized protection, power, and identity. They marked the boundaries between "us" and "them," between safety and danger. In our spiritual lives, we too need fortifications - not physical walls, but discernment and wisdom to recognize threats to our faith and values.
The challenge lies in identifying these modern barbarians. They don't announce themselves with war cries or brandish weapons. Instead, they often come disguised as harmless, even beneficial, influences. Jesus warned us, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
So how do we spot these wolves in sheep's clothing? Jesus gives us the answer: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16) We must become fruit inspectors, carefully examining the results and impact of ideas, philosophies, and influences in our lives.
One of the most vulnerable gates we must guard is our "eye gate." What we allow our eyes to see can profoundly impact our hearts and minds. King David's fall into sin with Bathsheba began with an unguarded glance from his rooftop. In our digital age, this gate is under constant assault. Our phones, computers, and televisions can become Trojan horses, bringing destructive influences right into our homes and lives.
We must be especially vigilant in protecting the innocence of our children. Many young people today are facing identity crises and confusion, often stemming from exposure to ideas and images their developing minds aren't equipped to process. As a community of faith, we have a responsibility to be watchmen on the wall, guarding not just our own families, but looking out for all the young people in our sphere of influence.
The enemy is crafty, often presenting spiritual dangers wrapped in seemingly innocuous packages. Practices that appear to promote wellness or self-improvement may actually open doors to harmful spiritual influences. We must be discerning, always measuring new ideas against the timeless truths of Scripture.
In the face of these challenges, we can take heart in knowing we have a Good Shepherd watching over us. Jesus said, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:9-10)
This Good Shepherd doesn't just stand guard - He laid down His life for His sheep. On Calvary's hill, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. He allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and crucified, all so that we might be saved from the true barbarians that sought to destroy our souls.
As David beautifully expressed in Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." When we place our trust in this Good Shepherd, we find not just protection, but provision, peace, and purpose.
However, this doesn't mean we can be passive. We are called to be active participants in guarding our spiritual gates. Here are some practical steps we can take:
*Be mindful of what we allow into our minds through media consumption.
*Cultivate discernment by regularly studying God's Word.
*Surround ourselves with a community of believers who can help us stay accountable.
*Pray for wisdom to recognize subtle spiritual dangers.
*Be watchful over the influences in our children's lives.
*Examine the "fruit" of new ideas or practices before embracing them.
*Remember, the barbarians at our gates today may not carry swords, but their potential for *harm is just as real. They seek to rob us of our faith, our values, and our very identities in *Christ. But we do not face this battle alone. We have a Good Shepherd who has already won the ultimate victory, and who continues to guide and protect us.
As we navigate this complex world, let us hold fast to the promise found in Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.
May we be vigilant watchmen, guarding our gates with wisdom and discernment. May we recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd amidst the noise of would-be deceivers. And may we walk in the abundant life Jesus came to give us, secure in His love and protection.
Let us take heart and stand firm, for though the barbarians may be at the gates, our God is greater. He is our fortress, our shield, and our ever-present help in trouble. With Him as our guardian, we need not fear. Instead, let us boldly proclaim as Joshua did, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
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