DENY THE OLD TENANT ACCESS

Many years ago, I was house-hunting. Eventually, I got an apartment. The agent told me that the old tenant would move out and I would have access. Some days later, we both went to the property for inspection. I paid the annual rent. When he was certain the old tenant had moved, he handed me the house keys.

After I was granted access, I went there for the first time to assess the extent of the repairs needed. The next morning, I needed to take someone there; when we got in, we saw signs that someone had stayed there over the night. It was shocking. I called the agent to tell him. He gave us one counsel: “Pastor, change the locks”. This would guarantee exclusive access since the key I had was the same as that of the previous tenant. I did, and there were no further incidents.

When you gave your life to Christ, the management changed. You came under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You welcomed Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Saviour. However, the world, the flesh and the devil still want access to your life. They want to sneak in and out once in a while. They leverage your old combination code to access your life- your tendencies for anger, pleasure, worrying, and any other. Before you know it, they are already having a foothold in your new life.

But you need to deny them access by “changing the locks”. How do you change the locks:

Let it be clear that there is new management in place:

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Put to death any strange desire by constantly yielding to the Holy Spirit:

Romans 8:13 NLT

For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

When the adversary uses your tendencies, let him meet a new lock. Let the systems tell it “No”.

Titus 2:11-12 NIV

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…

We know you have changed the “Lord” of your life, but have you changed the locks?

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa