Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV
TAKING OVER THE TERRITORY OF THE HEART
Colonialism is a practice of domination, which involves the subjugation of one people to another. The colonialism of African states is of historical interest. Before colonial masters came, we had our system of government, societal structure, education system, dress culture and language. However, domination through colonialism brought about a change in so many things. The aim of every colonial power is to impose upon her subjects her own language , culture, government structure and way of life. English speaking countries in Africa began to speak English because their colonial masters taught them how to speak their language and succeeded in making it their lingua franca. Same goes with French colonies in Africa.
Do you know that God can also colonize the life of a man? Yes, I thought about the principles of earthly colonialism and I discovered that if God can successfully do same in our lives, we would be a reference point for godliness. When God colonized the life of Saul, he became Paul. Not that alone, he began to preach the gospel of Christ, the man he once persecuted. The life style of heaven changed his and he was transformed into a new man. The most important territory in our life that God need to colonize is our heart. Our heart is the breeding ground of so many things we don't like because someone else other than God is in charge. When lust takes the centre seat in our heart, immorality results. When unforgiveness takes the centre stage in our heart, bitterness, anger and resentment result.
When God colonize the territory of our heart, we would begin to think heavenly thoughts because our colonial master is holding sway. Our hearts would become as pure as snow. The tool of heart colonization is the word and prayer. The supervisor is the Holy Spirit. However, that can only happen if we allow God. He doesn't force himself on any man unlike earthly colonial masters. He only comes for those whose hearts are willing for his type of colonization. Dearest, you need to open the door of your heart to God so that he can take over the territory of your heart. Our actions and words are pointers to the content of our heart. Until there is a radical change on the inside, there can never be a radical change on the outside.
Father, colonize the territory of my heart In Jesus name.