A Suggestion!

“The devil made me do it!” Have you ever heard someone express that? Have you used the words yourself? The expression seems to represent an effort to excuse oneself and therefore not have to accept personal responsibility for one’s actions. Someone has stated, “The devil can only suggest!” [bulletin clipping] Though some suggestions may be stronger or more persistent than others, they can only be as powerful as the desires within ( James 1:14) that are tempted. Perhaps that is why suggestions acted upon are sometimes eventually perceived as one’s own ideas. That is the power in the devil’s deceptiveness because if the suggestion was truly perceived as his, would it not be more readily rejected?

James exhorted…
“(7) SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you. (8) DRAW NEAR TO GOD, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ( James 4:7-8 ESV)

We must become serious with regard to continually SUBMITTING TO GOD as we also strive to resist the deceptive suggestions of the devil. It is important to remain on guard against the devil’s deceiving and scheming ( Ephesians 6:11) by remaining NEAR TO GOD and accepting what He offers to equip us to stand strong in this spiritual struggle. It is a battle. The terms “submit” and “resist” used by James have been noted as having originally been Greek military terms. According to Strong’s Lexicon, the word translated “submit” is a “Greek military term meaning ‘to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader.’ In non-military use, it was ‘a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden.’” [Strong’s, © 1996] To “resist” the devil would be to arrange ourselves against this enemy.

As we continue SUBMITTING TO GOD we will be less and less susceptible to giving in to the suggestions of the devil. May we earnestly seek to keep the thoughts and actions of our life ARRANGED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF GOD. This is the greatest safeguard in resisting the efforts of the devil to tempt and lead us astray.

Have a great day MARCHING ON UNDER GOD’S COMMAND!
Carl

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