Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. - 1 Peter 5:8. Taking Authority means not allowing the devil to prosecute or persecute you for your past sins. Taking Authority means you don't allow the devil to continually hold you a prisoner or incarcerate you for your sins especially when God has set you free. Even if you are in the mess you are in at no one's fault but your own, you still can take authority over the devil and take back our power. We take authority over the devil by paying attention to the devil's tactics, and not allowing the devil to gain access to our minds or our hearts. Taking authority means we become steadfast in our commitment, on guard making sure the devil doesn't sneak up on us or engulf us. Be on guard and watchful at all times and be on the lookout to make certain no enemy nor aggressor can successfully gain entry into our hearts, minds or lives.