A Frustrating Truth
Defeating Satan is simple—but it’s not easy. Because of our fallen earthly natures we are prone to sin and the devil use an unique strategy against each believer. What tempts me unbearably might not tempt you at all. But here’s a startling truth; the devil can’t destroy our Christian witness. Not unless we help him.
The devil can’t steal from you, kill every blessing in your life, and destroy your future, unless you help him. (M.H. Puccini)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 RSV)
The True Cost
Confession time. At first, sin is exciting, naughty and fun. Why? Because Satan is a master at twisting the truth and concealing his evil traps. His PR department is terrific too.
But too often, Christians ignore one key spiritual fact.
The devil loathes and despises humans, especially Christian believers. So none of the ‘gifts’ he tempts us with are harmless. The bait Satan uses is tasty, but poisonous. We don’t notice, because the horrible consequences occur years later. Stealing money. Enjoying an affair. Sabotaging co-workers to get that promotion. Lying when cornered.
For a while, it feels like our secret sinful habit just adds spice.
Until one day, life falls apart. The adulterer loses his marriage and half his earnings. Then his children walk away in disgust. Everyone stops trusting the habitual liar’s word. The thief ends up fired or in jail.
When we chose to sin, bad consequences will always happen eventually.
A Word about Abuse
Other people can inflict severe trauma on the innocent, especially in childhood. We can’t control what happens to us in this world. We can only choose how we respond. God doesn’t require us to remain in abusive relationships.
But the Lord does ask us to forgive. Why? Because true forgiveness sets us free. Jesus our
Redeemer brings inner healing too, as we walk where He leads.
My Spiritual Point
Defeating the devil isn’t easy. Because he’s got his hooks into most of us. But the winning strategy is simple; clear-cut and basic. Don’t do anything Satan suggests and obediently do whatever God asks you to.
Hey, wait a minute. That advice is in the New Testament.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 RSV)
I downloaded this image from Pixabay.com.
