There is so much going on in the world around us that it is easy for us to become distracted from keeping our focus on Christ and spiritual things. And our vision slips away from us when we turn to glance at the things of the world.
If you have ever read the first of C. S. Lewis SCREWTAPE LETTERS, you will recall that it pictures an atheist man sitting in a library. He had never thought of God until now. Somehow, as he sat there reading and contemplating and reflecting, his thoughts begin to bend toward God. Satan who writes this little letter senses the warning lights flashing. After all, he has kept the man an atheist for 22 years already and he is not about to let him go now. How should he intervene? How should he derail the man's dangerous thoughts?
After careful consideration, Satan decides to distract the man from his thoughts. He whispers to him, "aren't you hungry? Don't you think you could sort it all out better after lunch? Satan encourages the man to go out into the street and look for a restaurant. Out in the street are many sounds that distract the man and the sense of God's presence is gone. The vision loses its power and the man muddles on in his atheistic mire.
The truth of this little story comes home to us, doesn't it? Every man has his weak points in the fortress of his nature and character and no man is more susceptible to the tricks of Satan than when he is at his weakest point. Scripture advises us; "Let him who thinks he stands beware, lest he fall." Satan knows our weakness infinitely better than we do. And it is through our weaknesses that he makes his assaults.
The Evil One distracts us from the path of righteousness; the narrow road leading to eternal life with our Father. It is fatal distractions. We get distracted by the lights and glimmer and attractions. We get twisted by the tedium and the day-to-day demands. We lose sight of the vision of Christ in our lives and risk losing our very souls which of course, is Satan's greatest desire.
But James tells us to "resist the devil and he will flee." Paul said, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's scheme." Any place in our nature that is unguarded is a feasting ground for Satan and all who has turned their focus from Christ is unsafe.
Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, is expected to be available soon.
You are welcome to visit amen ministries: your soul's service station for spiritual refreshing, soul edification, browse our newly expanded mini shopping mall or review our recommended books you may want to add to your personal library.
Blessings to all!
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve ourselves either outwardly... Read More
It has long been surmised that emotional trauma can lead... Read More
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors... Read More
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the... Read More
As a walked across the gym floor with perspiration coming... Read More
In the golfing world, yesterday may have been one of... Read More
Many of you come to this site because you are... Read More
If we don't behave according to a specific church's doctrine,... Read More
In the early 90's I had a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening... Read More
Your creative gift has power.God was the first and still... Read More
Job was a spiritual man who loved and obeyed God... Read More
Years ago no matter where I lived, whether a house... Read More
This article is the 1st part of an open response... Read More
Someone asked me the other day what was the most... Read More
The dictionary defines the word forgive as: [to pardon, as... Read More
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) We... Read More
In this article, I would like deal with one specific... Read More
I was walking down the street the other day, walking... Read More
With excitement and anticipation I jumped on a plane last... Read More
The tongue is such a tiny little organ. Yet, it... Read More
The psalms of the Bible are a literary treasure chest... Read More
'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom... Read More
I have a big mouth. If you have read my... Read More
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,... Read More
Shamanism is an ancient form of mysticism. Although... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..THE PREMISEFeng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has... Read More
Inspirational author Vernon Howard wrote, "Would you be worried over... Read More
A few men and women are universally successful but such... Read More
You are a spiritual being. You recognize something in you... Read More
An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of... Read More
If we don't behave according to a specific church's doctrine,... Read More
Are you facing some challenges in your life right now?... Read More
We as human beings consider ourselves the most intelligent species... Read More
In the responsibility we have as Christians, we are displayed... Read More
With another year full of family events coming upon us,... Read More
Not going to church has the advantage of having free... Read More
You have everything you need: a miraculous body, a phenomenal... Read More
One night, whilst watching TV, I understood a very useful... Read More
Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More
I have held numerous teleconference workshops where I help individuals... Read More
Recently I was watching a re-run of "Everybody Loves Raymond".... Read More
Being critical of Buddhism isn't easy.Buddhism is the most likable... Read More
I would like to share my experience, working with the... Read More
In a recent article entitled "Our Virtual Reality Reality" I... Read More
Following are 17 questions that can be used as a... Read More
Over the past number of years, while going through my... Read More
Is it really possible that Don Juan could command the... Read More
Not a Failure!Those of you who are unemployed, or desire... Read More
*Advice on living a humane and compassionate life.According to text... Read More
James 1:23-24Anyone who listens to the word but does not... Read More
Spirituality |