"When the enemy comes in like a flood,
the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him."
Isaiah 59:19
Several years ago a man named Hal Lindsey wrote a book entitled Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth. He wrote this book after his numerous experiences of seeing the occult first hand on college campuses and recognizing the openness of satanic worship in different areas of society. It has been almost 40 years since that book was written, and it is true that Satan is as alive today as he has ever been.
We could talk about the prevalence of the occult in media which is as abundant as ever. In Hal Lindsey's book he told fascinating stories of how people worshipping Satan and committing violent acts because they were instructed to do so. I remember as a young boy being told about these incredible events. They were presented to us as scary and as horror. It was obvious what to stay away from, but it is not that clear any more. Satan uses new things to make it more palatable. He has most definitely been effective in presenting witchcraft and vampirism to our children. He has made it appealing and attractive, and many Christians have fallen into the trap. We have hundreds of thousands of young people that are drawn into this lifestyle that promotes not only the occult but sexual promiscuity, violence, and rebellion. They cannot deny that there are most definitely occultic overtones in this media, but they will excuse it because it appeals to the senses.
As horrible as these things can be, I do not believe that this is the greatest weapon of Satan. His strongest tool in the American church is still apathy. Many believers who would never indulge in the media of the occult are living their lives for themselves. They go to church regularly. They participate in Christian activities. They may even read their Bible and pray from time to time. However, they have learned to play the hypocrite very well. They know how to judge everyone but themselves. They would like the last paragraph that was written, because they are not involved in those things. Yet, many of them have sins in their life that they have covered up so much that they have even convinced themselves they don't exist. They live with a who cares attitude about their personal relationship with God. Which of the two, the occult or apathy, is more destructive? I would say the second, because at least the first one is honest about what it is.
What is the answer for both things? The Bible says that when the enemy comes in like a flood, and that is a definite that it will come. At that time it is only the life that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit that will drive it away. You cannot defeat the enemy on your own. This is a spiritual warfare. Carnal weapons will not work here. Today you must surrender your heart and life to the Spirit of God and ask Him for wisdom of how to defeat the enemy in your own life. Recognize the power of the enemy, but never forget that great is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
May you be an overcomer for Christ today!
No comments:
Post a Comment