Heaven is the prize that we all want to win (Philippians 3:14).  That is why Paul said that we must press toward the goal.  We cannot attain the prize without reaching the goal, which consists of a godly, Christ-like life that is pleasing to God.  This week, let us examine a few things that can help us to reach the goal and gain a victorious home in heaven.

The first thing we must do is guard our minds against the assaults of the devil.  We know that Satan is actively seeking those who he can destroy spiritually.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
⁸  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The devil’s modus operandi is to first try to infiltrate the heart of people so that he can influence their thinking and disposition.  Paul indicated that Satan had accomplished this with some of the brethren at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)
³  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

In the context of 2 Corinthians 10, the strongholds that Paul refers to are satanic strongholds of the mind.  A stronghold is a fortified place of safety.  Some of the saints at Corinth allowed the devil to infiltrate their minds and make them a place of safety for him—a place where he felt right at home.  Paul’s aim with the brethren at Corinth was to break down those strongholds and win the hearts of the Corinthians back for the Lord.  It was not an easy task.

Once the devil gets inside one’s mind, it is hard to get him out.  It is much easier to keep him out in the first place.  This is why the road to victory involves guarding the mind.  As God’s people, as long as we maintain a clean and undivided heart, we will be victorious over Satan and sin.  No wonder David ask God to create in him a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).  Jesus, knowing the importance of this, made it a point in His great Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:8 (ESV)
⁸  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

How can we guard our hearts against the assaults of the devil?  It begins with determining to only allow things in our minds that are good.  Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

One thing that will help us to think about things that are just, pure, and lovely, is filling our minds with the Word of God.  The Psalmist stored up God’s Word in his heart to avoid sinning (Psalm 119:11).  This is the best way to guard our hearts.  As long as we fill our minds with the spiritual seed of God, we will not sin habitually (1 John 3:9), and we will be on the road to victory.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.