Playing By The Rules

Wouldn't it be lovely if Satan played by the rules? It would be so easy to win battles if the enemy stayed within the boundaries and restrictions to which we adhere. Unfortunately, sin doesn't give a hoot about playing by the rules.

I find myself confident that I can win any battle, that I have received a clear mind through prayer. Then I find myself in a place where I am vulnerable, and sin attacks. I would love it if sin would recognize that I am down right now and am incapable of fighting the battle at full strength. But no, that's not how sin works. It doesn't care one bit about common courtesy. If the man is down, kick him harder. If he has a wound, pour the whole salt shaker in it.

Friends, don't fall under the lie that temptation is going to respect your weakness and wait until you're stronger. I remember stories of the beginning of the Civil War. People thought viewing a battle would be exciting, so they camped out alongside the battle lines so they could get a great view. But oh the horror when the battle proved to not be a nice fencing match. It was bloody war.

The spiritual battle is between God's army and the darkest of all enemies. When Satan and his cronies attack, they don't use approved or acceptable methods. They figuratively kill innocent women and children. They set up extermination camps. They don't care if it's just or fair. It's why they're called evil.

Fortunately, they also fight for a losing cause.

Thanks be to God who has already won the battle, and who has invited us sorry sinners to be redeemed children and victors with Him. Remember that as long as Jesus is your God, no attack by Satan can harm your soul's eternal hope, even if you do stumble.

I Corinthians 10:13 says that "God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Even in the dirtiest of attacks by the enemy, we can still be strong in Christ; we can still beat it. But if we do fail, remember the words of Romans 8:1: "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." God has made a way for victory no matter what.

Just remember that the battle might get a little messy.