The strong man and his house

But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Mark 3:27, ESV

Jesus' statement above is part of a greater point He was making, but it is also safe to use this verse by itself to highlight a critical need for watchfulness as one given authority over the lives of others. Note that the man Jesus spoke of was a "strong" man. But being strong did not mean that he could not be bound by one stronger than he was. He therefore had a responsibility to watch over himself, so that he would not be taken unawares. If he remained free, he could successfully keep his home and his possessions from being plundered.

I was browsing the readers' comments in response to a (now forgotten) website article some months ago when I read an interesting comment. A woman shared that her husband had been giving himself over to some sexual sins which he had been sinking further and further into. As his sinful habits escalated, she begged him to get help but he refused. Eventually, this wife reported that their young children would report strange occurrences in their home and have nightmares. She too would sense evil presences in the home and other terrifying phenomena would occur. Finally one day the demonic activities escalated and manifested to such a degree that she called her husband in terror and reported what was happening in the home. He came home right away. This event is what got his attention, the reality of the supernatural occurrences and sheer fear they produced. At this point he knew that the spiritual attacks had everything to do with him and he turned to God. He chose repentance and started to pray for his family. Things changed in the home.

This woman's story, as best as I could recall it, makes me think of how important it is to have godly leadership that is also watchful and prayerful. This is all the more important in the foundational unit of a family. Her story is a dramatic example of what may take place, however, I believe that in most other cases (where scary demonic incidents may not be observed so plainly), just as dangerous spiritual intrusions occur. When the leader of the family has broken down the walls of that territory, or does nothing to defend and maintain them, that house is going to be plundered. Many spouses and children are out of control, and suffering unnecessary hindrances, addictions, and detours in their life because of bound fathers or authority figures. Perhaps the prevalent fatherless model today (bound and/or absent "strong men"), is a close second for its ability to sow heartache and destructive influences into many lives.

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

May we all be encouraged, in our spheres of authority, to be watchful and alert over our own souls that we may be able to protect and help those around us. Above all, be encouraged by knowing that Jesus Christ has proven that He is the stronger Man who can bind, overpower, and plunder the house of our strong enemies, just as He said:

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.
Luke 11:20-22, ESV