There is a story told of a Haitian man who sold his home during a of financial crisis.  Because he desperately needed the money, he was willing to let his house go at an incredibly low price with only one stipulation: he was to maintain ownership of one single, solitary nail on the wall in the living room.  The fellow who purchased the home agreed to these terms and signed the contract.

     Months later the poor Haitian man recovered from his financial collapse and tried to move back into his home. The new owner refused to negotiate with the former tenant. The Haitian fellow proceeded to “occupy” his one nail by placing a dead dog on it.  The contract legally confirmed his right to do so.  The odor and stench was so bad that the new homeowner sold the property back to the man at a lesser price than he originally paid.

     Paul told the church at Ephesus to “Neither give place to the devil.”  When we leave just one area of our life, just one nail, under the ownership of Satan, we are subject to the vile and wicked contaminants of the world.  Giving him “place” always comes at a price.  What may seem like a good deal initially will end up costing us much more than we are willing to pay.  Sell out to the Lord and give Him all of your life.