Don’t Let Satan Get a Foothold
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Satan would like nothing better than to get a foothold in the life of a Christian. He seeks to entertain us with his lies that appeal to our flesh such that we justify our will with no guilt. These lies may not be sinful but they become sinful when they replace our service to the Lord. Satan tries to justify the power of our own will so we think our will doesn’t conflict with the Lord’s will. Listed below are four ways Satan tries to get a foothold in our life.
Busyness: Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) Many people rush through their day trying to meet schedules. Rushing through life can easily pull our minds away from the Lord. This is Satan’s goal, to keep us busy with our thoughts focused on our busy day and away from God.
The Lord tells us to be still inside which means we fulfill our daily tasks at comfortable efficient pace with our minds communing with the Lord. This will give us a relaxing day serving the Lord as we go through our busy schedule. If we carefully schedule our day, we may find our day may not be as busy. Whatever we face during the day, if we are still inside with God’s peace, we can accomplish everything without being exhausted from stress.
Procrastination: Satan will keep us distracted on worldly things so we procrastinate and don’t make time to do the Lord’s will. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) How can we put the Lord first if we are distracted by the world? The Lord promises to provide for our needs if we first seek his kingdom and righteousness.
Lack of Faith: What happens when the Lord puts something on our hearts that is beyond our own capability or something that requires more work than we desire. Satan tempts us to depend solely our own ability so we limit what we can do for the Lord. But if we have trust in the Lord and his ability then we can do more than we can imagine. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20)
Satan’s Lies: Satan uses lies to get us to justify our will so that we believe we are pleasing to God. These lies are skipping church, Bible studies, praying, or ministering, until missing these things becomes a justified habit. We attend these things so we can minister to others and receive God’s word. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Today live by the truth and don’t let Satan get a foothold in your life. If you have to justify your actions, then double check your plans, because we never have to justify the Lord’s calling.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in your truth and keep me from yielding to Satan’s tactics and lies. Guide me in the Spirit to serve you in truth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen