Is There a Monkey at Your Gate? Hear, See, Speak No Evil

We’ve all heard the saying, “The monkey on your back.”  It refers to a nuisance one must deal with or endure. 

A “monkey on your back” can be many things — such as a boss who micromanages everything, a bad habit that’s difficult to overcome, or even an addiction.  Whatever it is, “the monkey on your back” is a heavy weight. It’s a burden. A “monkey on your back” is not a good thing.

However, there’s another monkey — in fact, three of them– they are very good.

These three monkeys are gatekeepers of our ears, eyes, and mouths,  And we can learn some valuable lessons from them.  The three monkeys proclaim, “Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil.”   They’ve been around for a long time, and they’re well known for their warnings to guard the mind against the evils of this world and the world from the evils of our hearts.

As Christians, we know that while we live in this world, we are not of this world (John 17:14).  Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20).  We are pilgrims here on earth (Hebrews 11:13).

The big question is, do we live as citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom? Or do we live as citizens of the increasingly dark kingdom of this world?

Living for the King / Working in His Kingdom

Every Christian is part of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom exists as a spiritual kingdom on earth in the hearts of all who belong to King Jesus.

So, how do we live for our King? And how do we help build His Kingdom?  It’s not easy because the kingdom of this world “speaks” loudly. It tempts and influences everyone, including Christians.

The best way to live for the King and build his kingdom is to fulfill the commission He has given us to preach the Gospel.  To do this we must keep a clear focus (have our eyes on Jesus), listen to His words (have ears that hear), and speak His truths (have mouths that speak edifying words).  That begins by protecting our minds.  

Guarding the Gates

I suggest you consider the gates to your heart, mind, and soul as your ears and eyes.  We all take in information through the ear and eye gates.  And there’s another gate — the mouth gate. From the mouth gate, we share information that we have taken in.

It’s important to control what enters our minds because that which enters will eventually rule our hearts and direct our thoughts, words, and works.

Sadly, much of what enters our minds daily comes from a worldly and secular perspective.  So, it’s critically important to filter all information through God’s Word, evaluating everything against His will and His ways.

In my book “Hear, See, Speak No Evil,” I  explain how we can learn to protect these gates. The three monkeys offer great wisdom. Be a gatekeeper who is diligent in guarding each gate. Filter all that you hear and see through God’s Word, and choose wisely what you say.

Reasons for Hope* Jesus

The mission of Reasons for Hope* Jesus is to equip YOU to know Jesus better and to love Him more through an increased knowledge of the Bible and a better understanding of your relationship with Christ (Philippians 3:10). We desire to encourage you in anchored hope (Hebrews 6:19) and empower you to live and share your faith (Romans 12:1-2).

The apostle Peter wrote of our great commission to share our faith with others and to be prepared to defend God’s Word:

…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

God said to His people, “Come let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), and that begins with renewing your mind in the Word of God, believing the God of the Word,  and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Jesus is the reason this ministry exists, but YOU make it possible.

We depend on the goodwill and generosity of God’s people to fund the ministry and to keep the website ad-free.

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Reasons for Hope* Jesus to build up the body of Christ and establish the faith — all for the glory of God.

With a donation of $100 or more, you can receive a copy of our newest book, Hear, See, Speak No Evil.  When you donate, please request the book in your donation form or email hope@reasonsforhopeJesus.com (the books are not automatically sent).

Reasons for Hope* Jesus is a donor-supported 501c3 ministry.  

Quick and Safevenmo/@ReasonsforHopeJesus

Donate by Credit Card/PayPal

 ~ CLICK BUTTON TO DONATE ~ Use a Credit Card or your PayPal account. 

Conquering Sin In Our Sanctification Journey:

What you need to know about Sanctification & Glorification
How Do I Fight Impure Thoughts?
Will impure thoughts condemn me? 
Can Satan put thoughts in our minds? How can I tell if sinful thoughts are coming from me or Satan?
Is My Heart Deceitful Above All Things? (Jer 17:9) Don’t I Have a New Heart?
Sin, Iniquity, and Transgression? How are they different?

Is There a Monkey at Your Gate? The Importance of Protecting Our Gates