biblical truth – Naty Matos

In our walk with Christ, it is essential to discern the spiritual realities of footholds and strongholds. Both terms appear in Christian teachings about spiritual warfare, but they differ in significance and impact. Understanding these differences can help us guard our hearts and stand firm in faith.

What Is a Foothold?

A foothold is a small opening or opportunity that we allow the enemy to exploit. It might be an unresolved emotion, a lingering sin, or even a pattern of negative thinking. The Apostle Paul warns us about this in Ephesians 4:26-27: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

A foothold begins as a seemingly minor issue. It can be something as subtle as resentment, fear, or unchecked pride. However, if left unaddressed, a foothold can grow into something more dangerous.

What Is a Stronghold?

A stronghold is a deeply entrenched pattern of thinking or behavior that opposes God’s truth. It is a spiritual fortress where the enemy has gained significant control. The Bible speaks of strongholds in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

While a foothold is an opportunity, a stronghold is a well-established position. It takes intentional effort, prayer, and the truth of God’s Word to tear it down.

How We Can Be Fooled?

The enemy often disguises footholds as harmless or justified actions. For instance, holding onto a grudge may feel warranted, but it opens the door for bitterness. Over time, that bitterness can grow into a stronghold of unforgiveness, affecting relationships and our ability to fully experience God’s grace.

The deception lies in the gradual progression. A foothold doesn’t seem threatening at first. It’s only when it has evolved into a stronghold that we realize the extent of the damage. This is why Scripture urges us to stay vigilant and guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).

Guarding Against Footholds and Strongholds

Stay Rooted in the Word: Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to recognize lies and replace them with God’s truth.
Pray Without Ceasing: Bring your struggles, emotions, and thoughts to God. Prayer equips us with discernment and strength.
Practice Forgiveness: Let go of offenses quickly. Holding onto anger or hurt gives the enemy an opportunity to work.
Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with godly mentors and friends who can lovingly correct and encourage you.

By identifying footholds early and relying on God’s power, we can prevent them from becoming strongholds. Remember the promise in James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

In recent times, many Christians have been led to believe that we are called to impose our beliefs on the world by force, forgetting a fundamental truth of our faith: we are in this world, but we are not of it. This misunderstanding has led to behaviors and attitudes that run contrary to the teachings of Jesus. It’s like asking hotel management to remodel the room we’re renting temporarily. We’ve forgotten that this world is not our permanent home. As believers, our mission is not to change the world by worldly means but to point others to Christ so that their hearts can be transformed.

Jesus’ words in John 17:14-16 remind us of our place: “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Our calling is to live as ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and truth while remembering that hatred, division, and force are tools of the enemy, who seeks to kill, deceive, and destroy (John 10:10).

The Mission We’ve Forgotten

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not to coerce others into belief. Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This mission requires patience, humility, and love. It’s not about forcing others to conform to our standards but about lovingly pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word.

Some have even gone so far as to attempt to manufacture events to hasten Jesus’ return. This is not only an act of pride but also selfishness. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” It is not our place to decide when Christ will return. Our focus should remain on the mission He has given us. If we truly love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we will desire their salvation as much as we desired our own. Remember, someone shared the Gospel with us when we were lost. Let us not give up on others who have yet to know the truth.

Jesus Was Not a Political Figure

Many Christians today seem to forget that Jesus did not come to establish a political kingdom. He didn’t seek to change the laws of Rome or Jerusalem. Instead, He came to reveal the kingdom of heaven and to transform hearts. When we focus on imposing our beliefs through political or social power, we lose sight of the example Christ set for us.

In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” This statement underscores the spiritual nature of His mission. Our task is not to make this world our home but to invite others to prepare for the kingdom of heaven.

Reflecting Christ’s Love

When we are unkind to those who are different from us, we’re not acting like Jesus. Loving the sinner while rejecting the sin is the delicate balance we’re called to maintain. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provide a clear picture of what Christlike love looks like: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Sadly, many unbelievers are turned away from Christ and His church not solely because of deception but because of the behavior of Christians that fails to reflect Christ. As John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love, not force, is the mark of true discipleship.

Staying Focused on Our Calling

As followers of Christ, our job is not to participate in the ways of the world but to preach the Word of God so that more people can be saved. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We cannot transform hearts—only God can do that. But we can live in a way that reflects His love, inviting others to experience His grace and truth.

The enemy seeks to sow division and hatred, but we are called to be instruments of peace. Let us remember our true mission: to share the Gospel, love others as Christ loves us, and reflect the kingdom of heaven in all we do. In doing so, we honor God and fulfill the purpose He has set before us.