"We know that those who have become part of God's family do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely and the evil one cannot get his hands on them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one. And we know the Son of God has come and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God and He is eternal life...keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." 1 John 5:18-21
Remember when you were a child. The world was an exciting but also very scary place. You were little but everything else was so big…the people and all the things around you seemed gigantic and intimidating.
Remember as well that when you would get scared about anything, you could always run into the arms of your father or mother where safety and sanctuary awaited. The world didn’t seem so scary anymore when Dad or Mom hugged you close and calmed your fears.
Well, we don’t stay little forever, do we? All of a sudden, we grow up and find the things of the world not as imposing as they were when we were in our early years. In fact, we go from being cautious and wary of our worldly environment to being reckless and impulsive, caught up in the many enticements. The world goes from being our enemy to being our friend and partner. It’s a big change…but is it really a big change?
You see, the world is still a very scary place to be. We had it more right as children than we do as adults. Satan is very good at luring us in and then keeping us attached to the very things that draw us away from God. As soon as Satan can get his hands on us, he goes to work keeping us there. He produces a false sense of comfort in the world around us, seducing and hypnotizing us with his power. The end result of his efforts has people worshipping their own desires…fulfilling their wants…gaining a false joy attached to material objects that can neither love or save them. We become dominated by desires and possessions which slowly establish a foothold in our hearts. We begin to worship false gods such as money, other people, materialism, sex, etc. Jesus, "the only true God", becomes an afterthought. It’s no wonder John felt it was important to warn us in the last verse of his letter.
Thank goodness there is good news for us. We can flee this world and its scary attempts to ensnare us and keep us from our Heavenly Parent. All we need to do is to run into the arms of Jesus Christ, "God’s Son (who will) hold (us) securely (so) the evil one cannot get his hands on (us)." He is always waiting to receive us, wrap His arms around us, and remove our fears, replacing them with a peace that Paul says transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Question: Are you so attached to the world that Satan has a foothold on your heart? Where are you in relationship with Jesus, the only One by which you can be saved? Run to Jesus and don’t delay. He’s ready to shield you from the evil one and this world that would seek to entrap you. He will then show you an unspeakable joy like no other as you live in partnership and service to Him. Trust in that.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
No comments:
Post a Comment