“We are not unaware of (Satan’s) schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV
“There is a place in your heart that God alone can fill.”
My thoughts today are about “be wary; be wise.”
Whether in life or business, it is always best to have some understanding about the person with whom you do business. That is definitely true in the realm of your spiritual life. The enemy of your soul, and enemy of everything that is good, is neither naïve or harmless. Jesus described him like this, “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy . . Be alert; your enemy, the devil, prowls around . . looking for someone to devour.” John 10:10 NIV/1 Peter 5:8 NIV. Make no mistake; he is no friend.
Your spiritual enemy has the character of a thief and liar. You cannot believe anything he says or promises, and nothing you value is safe from his destructive intent – your good name and reputation, your hopes and happiness, or your dreams and future. His method is, and always has been, to look for easy prey. His unrelenting objective is to kill and destroy. And he succeeds when he lulls you into carelessness. Your best defense is: be wary; be wise!
You were born with a place in your heart that God alone can fill. Nothing, and no one, can fill that. Some people try anything and everything – every unconstrained appetite, thrill-seeking amusement, irrational relationships, and personal achievements – but usually are left emptier and lonelier than when they began. That’s really sad, isn’t it?
Jesus met a woman like that; she came thirsty to draw water from a familiar well. Jesus told her “the water that I give is living water . . people soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether . . becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:5-15 NLT. Her search was over; her deepest longing was satisfied. What Jesus promises you is found nowhere else, ever.
Look at the lives of Joseph and David. Both faced similar temptations. Who would know? One was in a foreign country far from home; the other was a King none dare challenge or correct. Joseph reacted to Potiphar’s wife in a vastly different way than David responded to Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. David looked and kept looking until there was no turning back; the results were disastrous. Joseph turned and ran away quickly; he saved himself. I love the question Joseph asked, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 NIV. That’s a very good question when you or a friend are about to compromise your faith and convictions.
The Bible’s advice is still the best advice today. “If sinners entice you, turn your back on them . . don’t go along with them. Stay far away from their paths.” Proverbs 1:10/15 NLT. Realize there are chances you should not take, habits you cannot afford, compromises you dare not make, places you should not be, and friends whose influence is not to your good. Be wary; be wise!
My prayer for you today is that you live right before God, and stay far from wrong.