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In recent days we’ve heard words of encouragement and hope, Pastor Steve having offered these as we prepare for entry to the next season of Elim. On Sunday, he spoke of caution. Caution is a well-timed admonition because there are no seasons of safety in the Christian experience.
There may be periods of time where tumult subsides and temporal peace seems to take its place. A time such as this invites us into complacency, to let our guard down. Yet we are at war. To be alive upon the earth is to have trouble. Our trouble comes from the world’s system, sin, and Satan.
The world’s system invites me to “go along to get along” and to make my home here and aim for my best life now. It encourages me to participate in Christianized versions of worldly activity and focus. Sin. It crouches at my door, waiting for an opportune moment to strike. For the Christian, sin need not have control, but it is a dangerous foe, nonetheless. Finally, Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
Know your foes, but know your Savior all the better. Know where the pitfalls lie and how to avoid them, but don’t stare deeply or you’ll risk falling in from disorientation. Instead, spend time with the One who redeemed you, who has conquered the world, has power over sin, and has made Satan a defeated foe. Then go, love others as He has first loved us.
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
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When I read Last Words, I always look for action items … things I can do (and we as the body can do) to become more like Jesus.
And I like this one:
“Know your foes, but know your Savior all the better. Know where the pitfalls lie and how to avoid them, but don’t stare deeply or you’ll risk falling in from disorientation. Instead, spend time with the One who redeemed you, who has conquered the world, has power over sin, and has made Satan a defeated foe. Then go, love others as He has first loved us.”
Well said. Thank you for the challenge!