Three Enemies of Your Heart

The Three Enemies of Your Heart: How to Overcome Them with God's Help

Imagine for a moment that you step out of your front door. You take a deep breath, ready for the day ahead, and begin to walk around your home. As you round the corner, you come upon a terrifying sight—a lion prowling a short distance away. Its eyes lock onto you, muscles tensed, preparing to attack.

Your heart races. You turn around to flee, only to find a massive bear towering on its hind legs, claws raised, roaring ferociously, ready to tear you apart. Frozen in place, you’re unsure what to do next. Then, you hear an evil hiss beneath your feet. Glancing down, you see a cobra coiled and poised to strike.

You quickly realize that these predators are not figments of your imagination. They are real dangers, representing enemies that have been destroying lives and families since the beginning of time. And they are out to get you, too.

These animals—the lion, the bear, and the cobra—aren’t just threats lurking in the wilderness. They symbolize powerful forces that our adversary, the devil, has been using since the dawn of time to bring destruction: pride, the love of money, and infidelity.

Though these enemies may not be literal creatures waiting outside our homes, they are just as dangerous. They lurk within our hearts, stalking men, women, and children, seeking to destroy anything good in our lives.

Why Are We So Vulnerable?

Here’s the troubling part: many of us were never taught to defend ourselves against these threats. We see their effects all around us:

• Pride has caused the downfall of kings and spiritual leaders.
• The love of money has broken up families, friendships, and businesses.
• Infidelity has torn apart countless marriages.

Yet, despite these visible consequences, most of us are ill-prepared to fend off these enemies when they come for us. But why?

It’s ironic, really. The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to guard our hearts against these enemies. God, knowing the dangers that lie ahead, provides us with a roadmap to protect ourselves and resist the devil’s schemes. However, we often ignore His guidance, choosing instead to follow our own ways.

The consequences of these choices are real. They are painful. But the good news is that we are not helpless. When we align ourselves with God’s Word, we find the strength to fight these enemies. We learn how to respond to pride with humility, how to replace greed with contentment, and how to choose faithfulness over infidelity.

These enemies—the lion of pride, the bear of money, and the cobra of infidelity—have been wreaking havoc for ages. But there is a clear solution: We don’t have to face them alone. God has given us the Holy Spirit, our guide, our strength, and our protector.

The Lion: Pride

Pride is like a lion, prowling around, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Pride draws us away from God and sets us up for a fall. It whispers, “I can do this on my own,” leading us into a false sense of independence that destroys relationships with God and others.

But God’s Word tells us that humility is the antidote to pride. James 4:6 reminds us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." When we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He clothes us in humility, allowing us to thrive under God’s authority.

• Key Verses: Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6-8, 1 Peter 5:5-8
• Solution: Submit to the Holy Spirit. Humility will guard your heart and relationships.

The Bear: Money

Like a bear guarding its territory, the love of money can dominate our lives. It fuels greed, dishonesty, and discontentment, convincing us that material wealth is the ultimate goal. But Jesus warns us, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24).

When we surrender our financial concerns to the Holy Spirit, He teaches us to be content with what we have and to trust God’s provision. Contentment protects us from the destructive force of greed, helping us focus on things that truly matter.

• Key Verses: Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Hebrews 13:5
• Solution: Let the Holy Spirit guard your heart from loving the wrong master. Embrace contentment and generosity.

The Cobra: Infidelity

Infidelity is like a cobra, silently poisoning relationships. It doesn’t usually strike all at once; rather, it creeps in slowly, through small compromises, weakening marriages and families.

Jesus raises the bar in Matthew 5:27-28, teaching that even lustful thoughts can be a form of infidelity. The Holy Spirit, however, equips us to remain faithful—guarding not just our actions, but our thoughts and desires as well.

• Key Verses: Proverbs 6:32-33, Matthew 5:27-28, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
• Solution: Submit your thoughts, words, and actions to the Holy Spirit. He will guide you toward faithfulness and protect you from temptation.

A Simple Yet Powerful Solution

If you want a better life, stronger relationships, and a closer walk with God, the solution is simple: Avail yourself to the Holy Spirit.

The fight against these enemies is not easy. In fact, it’s the hardest battle we’ll ever face. Our flesh constantly pulls us in the wrong direction. But by humbling ourselves before God and allowing His Spirit to guide us, we can stand firm against pride, greed, and infidelity.

You don’t have to face these predators alone. The Holy Spirit is here to help you, lead you, and strengthen you.

Take Action Today

Are you ready to guard your heart and protect your relationships from these enemies? Pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that is soft and ready to receive God’s truth. Dive into His Word, and begin your journey of walking in humility, contentment, and faithfulness.

Remember, you’re not fighting alone. God is with you, and the Holy Spirit is your guide.

Join the Journey: Visit FeedSheep.org to learn more about how to guard your heart and strengthen your relationships. You’ll find resources, community, and encouragement as you take steps toward a life filled with humility, generosity, and faithfulness.