A Sunday View From a Pew: Lock the Doors — This Word Is for Now

Come on in. Before you get comfortable, let me warn you: we’re about to have us a real conversation. You might want to lace up some steel-toed boots, because this word may step on a few toes. And listen — before you slide into this pew, understand something clearly: once you’re in, you’re in.

I’m locking the doors — yes, like Bishop Marvin Sapp did — not to trap you, but to keep you from slipping out when truth starts pressing on places you’ve been avoiding. You need to decide before you sit down whether you’re ready for what’s about to be said. Because once you hear it, you can’t un-hear it.

I know many of us are staring at December 31st like it’s a finish line and waiting on January 1st to magically fix what we’ve been postponing. But let me free you today: whatever you say you’re going to do, you might as well start now. There is no better time than the present. New seasons don’t start on calendars — they start with decisions.

Stop waiting on a “new year” to do what requires a new mindset.

And while I’m talking, let me lovingly tell you this: stop waiting on other people to become motivated to do what God already told you to do.

Too often, we gather people who pull out at the last minute — and then we’re shocked when blessings are delayed, experiences are missed, and opportunities disappear. Sometimes the very thing God placed in your spirit was never meant to be a group project. It was you and God — altar-level business.

Everything doesn’t need an audience. Everything doesn’t need a committee. Some assignments need silence until they’re finished.

My prayer is that we learn to guard our sacred spaces — our ears, our hearts, and our conversations with God — until the work is done. Not everybody needs to know what you’re birthing while it’s still fragile.

Now let’s talk about resetting the algorithm of our lives. Yes, I said algorithm.

Some patterns keep recycling not because the devil is busy, but because we haven’t hit delete. We keep replaying habits, relationships, and cycles that no longer serve us — then wonder why nothing new has room to grow. If it no longer feeds your spirit, teaches you, stretches you, or heals you, it may be time to let it go.

Deletion makes space for revelation.

And hear me clearly: be careful who you align yourself with. Not every conversation is guided by wisdom. Some are fueled by ego, insecurity, and unresolved pain — and they can wreak havoc in your personal life if you’re not discerning.

Everybody offering advice isn’t qualified to give it. Some people speak from their wounds, not their wisdom. Some people respond emotionally because they haven’t evolved past their own limitations.

Before you take counsel, ask yourself: Does their life show evidence of growth? Do they practice what they preach? Are they healing, or just talking?

And finally — let’s get honest. Not surface honest. Root honest.

We’re quick to talk about what we expect from others, but real maturity comes when we ask ourselves, Am I living what I’m demanding? Are you applying those standards to your true self — not the version you present, but the one God sees when nobody’s clapping?

You don’t need December 31st to end for change to begin. You don’t need January 1st to make a thing a thing.

You need now.

We weren’t promised tomorrow — but since we’ve been blessed with today, let’s make the most of it. Right now is holy ground if you choose to stand up in it.

Alright, I’m unlocking the doors now. When you feel ready, you can leave.

Just remember…Why wait?