Mind the Gap
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
My family spent a few days in London last week for spring break. During our time there, we had the opportunity to ride on the Tube, London’s underground subway system. As soon as you step onto the platform and the train, you hear the phrase, “mind the gap,” repeated over and over. In fact, it was almost annoying. At first, I thought this phrase meant to fill in the gaps of spaces between people on the platform or the train. But, after some research, I discovered that it meant to pay attention to the possible gap between the train and the platform. Basically, it means to exercise caution and to watch your step.
If a person does not mind the gap, it can lead to a range of dangerous and disruptive consequences such as falling onto the tracks, getting a foot caught, and falling down on the platform. A misstep can result in various levels of injury, ranging from minor to severe. It may also involve others, since the train station is often a busy place, packed with people. Others may be knocked down or tripped, causing injury to them. This could create chaos, leading to further incidents or accidents in the immediate area. And, if any of those things happen, it could mean halting train operations and delays in the train service, which would impact lots of people with wait times.
God desires a relationship with each of us that is real and personal. And, Jesus made a way for that to happen. If we do not carefully guard our hearts and minds and stay close to God, we may stumble and fall. Allowing gaps in our relationship with God and in our faith journey can prove to be very dangerous. When we are not mindful of these gaps, we subject ourselves to the schemes of the devil, who wants to destroy us. Being vigilant not to allow gaps helps us to avoid spiritual pitfalls that can lead us off course.
Gaps can sometimes form when we are faced with doubts, fears, temptations, sins, moments when we feel disconnected from God, or quite frankly, laziness. Being mindful of these gaps encourages us to pay attention and bridge the gaps in our faith walk. This can be through prayer, seeking support from fellow believers, studying Scripture, and living out our faith. When we are aware of where the gaps are, we can take steps to overcome them with God's help. When we do not take steps to fill in the gaps, our actions can also impact those around us.
In the subway, you step from one platform to the train, which can be a brief but important transition. Similarly, in our faith walk, we go through different stages—growth, testing, struggles, and breakthroughs. Each stage can feel like a "gap" we must cross, but trusting God and seeking Him and His direction can guide us through.
We must remember to stay vigilant, aware, and proactive in protecting our hearts and bridging the gaps that come with the challenges and transitions we face in our spiritual journey. It's about maintaining focus and taking care to not let obstacles hinder our walk with God.
Call to Action
Identify possible gaps in your spiritual condition and your relationship with God. What steps can you take to close these gaps? Why is it imperative to take these steps? What might you avoid by taking action?
Consider reading the book or Bible study entitled, “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table” by Louie Giglio.
Digging Deeper
Check out these additional Scripture verses: Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 23:19, Psalm 51:10, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2, Hebrews 12:1-2.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for Your guidance and grace as we journey through life. As we walk in faith, we ask that You help us to mind the gaps—those spaces of doubt, fear, or struggle that can threaten to distract or derail us from Your path. Help us to be aware of the obstacles we may face, both seen and unseen, and to rely on Your wisdom and strength to navigate them with courage and faith. Guide our steps, steady our hearts, and help us mind the gaps in our faith with confidence, knowing You are always with us.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
