I Can’t Be Influenced By Satan! How many times have I heard that from Christians! I can’t be influenced by Satan because I am a Christian.
That might surprise you, but it should because it really surprises me when I hear it.
Some think because they read the Holy Bible, or go to church they are immune from Satan’s grasp. As the Holy Bible tells us evil will get us unless we fight to keep it at bay… daily.
In Matthew 26:41 it explains “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation. the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Evil knows no holiday, church building, or home no matter what you have seen in the movies or heard from others.
I recall a few movies (not the titles) where people were running away from Satan, and one of them said “There’s a church up ahead, let’s go inside. Satan can’t enter!”
Even if that were true, and it’s not, Satan would just wait for you to leave… right?
Satan CAN enter any church and does. Just listen to your fellow parishioners when they talk about the news, politics or even religion… yes, religion!
Then there are the constant battles about the republicans or democrats, and how their politician is better than the others. TV news creates bigger battles when someone comments about their personal feelings regarding societal issues.
Where are the Christian values?
James 1:26 reads “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”
If you ask someone from church if they are a sinner, most likely they will say “No.” I guess that is because they either don’t know what sin is or don’t even consider what they do or say to be sinful.
Many don’t like when the preacher speaks abut their sins, and get incensed that they think they are sinless. Why? No one likes to be called a sinner, even though it should be said to everyone. Me too.
James 4:17 reads “Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
So, my thought is to ask them if they ever stole anything, cursed, lied, or cheated, and I am positive they will tell you “No” again. But if you tell them you stole, and say to them “So, what does that make me?” they would say, “A thief.” Then ask them again what are they if they stole, and see if the answer changes.
Human nature or flesh, as the Holy Bible titles it, can cause us to do many things that are sinful without us even thinking about it. We almost do it naturally, and without any thought to consequences now or in the future.
So, what are the things of the flesh you ask? Galatians 5:19 tells us, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, gossip, contentions, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in the time of the past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Do you dishonor your parents or hate others? Once again we fall into the “We are sinners” category.
At one point in our young lives sin becomes second nature, but as we mature, and get caught up in Satan’s traps it has become first nature. Almost like breathing. We do it without even thinking about it, and many times thinking it is not sin, even though in your heart you know it is.
Now, I am sure there are some Christians out there that try their best to avoid sin, but it’s everywhere around us, and entrenched in TV, movies, news and everyday life. Have you noticed how more and more TV shows are focused around cops, death, murder and violence?
What happened to all the comedy shows? Even the movies are more focused on how to hit someone with tons of punches, pipes, two by fours, tire irons, and they still get up like it never happened. Who does that influence? A lot of youth and many not smart enough to know it’s not real.
Violence is taking over the world, and it is beyond stopping, and is out-of-control. The time for stopping it has long passed, and it will get worse. This is not a doom and gloom story, but one of reality. Look around and decide for yourself.
Romans 1:28 explains “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” But it also continues in verses 29-32 so keep reading.
In case you are not sure what debased means according to Webster: to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character. Debase is often used to talk about someone’s lowered status or character.
At an early age some of us learn how to sin right away from family, friends and society, but they can no longer use “I didn’t know because I was only a kid.” Now they are old enough to know what they are doing, and can’t use childhood as an excuse; even though they still do.
So, now is the time to rethink your thoughts about sin and Satan. We are ALL sinners and Satan wants us to be with him and not with Jesus. There is no way around that, but we can avoid it, and make our lives much better.
Something to read:
Genesis 6:5
John 9:31
Any
Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
John and Jean
jean@ourdividedworld.com
john@ourdividedworld.com
www.ourdividedworld.com