All the controversy about walls has me thinking.

• Walls support the roof of a home, preventing it from collapse. That’s a good thing, right?
• Walls also protect us from harsh weather and wild animals, another plus.
• Walls can keep us separated from other people or places we might like to visit. In that case we need the owner’s permission to enter. That’s what doors and locks are for.

The properties of physical walls have their counterparts in the spiritual realm, as well. Walls made up of fear, prejudice, and pride can separate us from other people and keep us from stepping into new experiences or understanding other cultures and attitudes.

I think the worst thing an emotional wall can keep us from is intimacy with God. A wall of pride, or selfishness, or rebellion keeps the Holy Spirit at arm’s length where He is unable to be a true comforter and guide. While we may need to throw up walls from time to time to protect ourselves from those who wish to do us harm, no good can come from erecting a wall against our Lord. If you have one in place today, I would like to quote Ronald Reagan’s famous Berlin speech, “Tear down this wall!”