Always fighting your way upstream?
Today I saw a quote on Facebook that stated Satan never bothers people who are going the same way he is. I had mixed feelings when I read this, one being relief knowing I must be doing something right because I feel like a salmon swimming upstream, and two, I’m ashamed for envying the people who have it easy. Now this does not mean that everybody that is affluent, blessed with wealth, and those who have worked their way up the ladder to success are compromised by the devil. God does bless people, and uses people in a multitude of ways and means. But the Bible also tells us that we will be tested like gold is refined in a fire, so we will come out our very best. God also promises us that he will not test us more than we’re able to take.
So does that mean that every financial problem, marital problem, social problem, and spiritual problem can be blamed on the devil? Or should we say that our lack of faith is something that the devil finds alluring? When we let our guard down, we’ve opened the door to the temptations that Satan will bring us. How would you describe your faithfulness? Is going to church important to you? Is witnessing for Jesus Christ important to you? Is being an example for your siblings, children, and grandchildren, important to you?
Sometimes temptation is so subtle you don’t even realize it’s temptation at all. When you are exhausted and you want to sleep in on Sunday morning, that is temptation. When someone is presenting a deal to you that is too good to be true, and deep down inside you know it may be on the shady side and you’re thinking about making the deal, that is temptation. Overindulging in food, sweets, and or alcohol, are temptations. Posting things on Facebook that may be a little too alluring, for people other than your husband or wife, is temptation. The Bible tells us: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. It is when I read this verse that I realize, God has given me everything I need to be faithful, successful, compassionate, and a good example to friends and family. But if I don’t use what He has given me, then I refuse His blessings, and let down the barriers against Satan that He has given me to ward him off.
There are so many verses in the Bible that tell us how to live the Christian life and to resist the wiles of the devil, that all we have to do is read it and abide by it. In order for us to receive the blessing of God we must obey. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. This is true in many ways, tithes, volunteering, giving to the poor, and offerings. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
As parents we need to teach our children that you cannot cheat God. From an early age they should understand to give back a portion of the blessings that God has given them, and in return he will give them increase. You cannot out give God, because He said he would open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings on those who bring their ties into the storehouse, and there shall not be room enough to receive it. Read it, believe it, and be blessed by it.
We as authors are often tempted to use bits and pieces of other people’s works. But the most satisfaction comes from doing it on our own, then when credit is due it is not due to someone else. We have the same tools as every other author, we just need to learn to use them better. And always be thankful to God for the talent He has given us.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:44
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
I John 3:8-10
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
I Peter 5:8