So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:6-9
What is Satan “devouring” while you are clinging to your own agenda?
We are often busy doing good things and taking satisfaction when other people seem pleased or, even better, impressed. But do you ever wonder why the joy and peace that God has promised is absent from your life? It is easy to assume that if other people are pleased with you, then God must be pleased as well.
Both my husband and I have often found ourselves in a position of seeking the praise, honor, and acceptance of others - our co-workers, friends, family, and in-laws. We accepted almost any opportunity to please others. We were quick to volunteer to join a committee, attend a meeting, or help set up for an event. We had a hard time saying “no” to well meaning friends and family who each wanted a piece of our family’s schedule. We were consistently planning activities for days, weeks, and even months in advance ~ sometimes to the point of being obsessive ~ rather than spending time in the presence of God. All the while, Satan was devouring our time and our souls, one bite at a time. And Satan was pleased because we were running in place and getting nowhere closer to our Father.
What is Satan “devouring” while you are clinging to your own agenda?
We are often busy doing good things and taking satisfaction when other people seem pleased or, even better, impressed. But do you ever wonder why the joy and peace that God has promised is absent from your life? It is easy to assume that if other people are pleased with you, then God must be pleased as well.
Both my husband and I have often found ourselves in a position of seeking the praise, honor, and acceptance of others - our co-workers, friends, family, and in-laws. We accepted almost any opportunity to please others. We were quick to volunteer to join a committee, attend a meeting, or help set up for an event. We had a hard time saying “no” to well meaning friends and family who each wanted a piece of our family’s schedule. We were consistently planning activities for days, weeks, and even months in advance ~ sometimes to the point of being obsessive ~ rather than spending time in the presence of God. All the while, Satan was devouring our time and our souls, one bite at a time. And Satan was pleased because we were running in place and getting nowhere closer to our Father.
Continually seeking the approval of so many others led us to an over-crammed schedule of get-togethers, events, activities, obligations, and deadlines…and ultimately burnout ~ both spiritually and physically. At the end of the day there was nothing left for us, and certainly nothing left for God. We were wanting what Satan had tempted us to want, at the expense of our connection to God…and at the expense of the peace and joy that is promised to us in scripture.
God asks us to humble ourselves. To submit ourselves to His plan for our lives. To be ready to do as He calls us to do. He asks us to stand with Him against the temptation to do what we or other people think will be good for us to do. He assures us that He will call us to our ministries, and our strength and guidance will come from trusting Him. If we stand firm in our faith and keep our hearts open to His calling, He will fight the roaring lion [satan] for us.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11
Satan is hard at work, tempting us all to be content with a life consisting of an abundance of good things that we design for ourselves. We are only a threat to him when we answer God’s call to service, dedicated to the advancement of God’s Kingdom and glory. Satan doesn’t mind if people think you are good. He doesn’t mind if you fill your time doing good things. In fact, the devil will try to tempt you to do exactly that. The “good person” is not the one who annoys the devil—it is the godly person that poses the threat. Satan will tempt you to be good because he fears you will be godly.
How can we stay focused on the right goals? None of us wants to fail, but we live in a world that can often demand and try to direct our ways, more loudly than God. We live in a society that rewards us for the good things we do but can reject us for serving God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Christ submitted his life fully to his Father, and we are to follow his example. As the children of God, we are supposed to act like our Father. We are to yield our will to God’s plan and his choices. The goal is to be “carefully determined” to be involved in God things instead of just good things.
Take a moment and consider the week before you. What does your schedule look like? How will God be glorified and the Kingdom affected by your plans? Is your week full of good things or God things? Don’t be content to lead a good life designed to impress others. That temporary contentment is offered by the devil himself. Choose instead to fulfill God’s plan for you. He calls you to be godly and rewards you eternally.
Father, forgive us for the times we lead lives that give you no control and no glory. We confess that it is easier to think of you as Savior than as Lord of our lives. Help us God, to be filled with your Spirit so that when he reveals your call we are ready and willing to serve. We ask this in Jesus precious name. Amen.
Satan is hard at work, tempting us all to be content with a life consisting of an abundance of good things that we design for ourselves. We are only a threat to him when we answer God’s call to service, dedicated to the advancement of God’s Kingdom and glory. Satan doesn’t mind if people think you are good. He doesn’t mind if you fill your time doing good things. In fact, the devil will try to tempt you to do exactly that. The “good person” is not the one who annoys the devil—it is the godly person that poses the threat. Satan will tempt you to be good because he fears you will be godly.
How can we stay focused on the right goals? None of us wants to fail, but we live in a world that can often demand and try to direct our ways, more loudly than God. We live in a society that rewards us for the good things we do but can reject us for serving God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Christ submitted his life fully to his Father, and we are to follow his example. As the children of God, we are supposed to act like our Father. We are to yield our will to God’s plan and his choices. The goal is to be “carefully determined” to be involved in God things instead of just good things.
Take a moment and consider the week before you. What does your schedule look like? How will God be glorified and the Kingdom affected by your plans? Is your week full of good things or God things? Don’t be content to lead a good life designed to impress others. That temporary contentment is offered by the devil himself. Choose instead to fulfill God’s plan for you. He calls you to be godly and rewards you eternally.
Father, forgive us for the times we lead lives that give you no control and no glory. We confess that it is easier to think of you as Savior than as Lord of our lives. Help us God, to be filled with your Spirit so that when he reveals your call we are ready and willing to serve. We ask this in Jesus precious name. Amen.
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