Chapter 100—Creates Hatred for Satan
Give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27
, R.S.V.
Satan’s enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ,
they are the objects of God’s love and mercy. He desires to thwart the divine
plan for man’s redemption, to cast dishonor upon God, by defacing and
defiling His handiwork; he would cause grief in heaven and fill the earth
with woe and desolation. And he points to all his evil as the result of God’s
work in creating man.
It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man
enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power,
man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his
bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto
had been peace. The power which Christ imparts, enables man to resist the
tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever
resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the
operation of a principle wholly from above.
Like a roaring lion, Satan is seeking for his prey. He tries his wiles upon
every unsuspecting youth; there is safety only in Christ. It is through His
grace alone that Satan can be successfully repulsed. Satan tells the young
that there is time enough yet, that they may indulge in sin and vice this once
and never again; but that one indulgence will poison their whole life. Do
not once venture on forbidden ground. In this perilous day of evil, when
allurements to vice and corruption are on every hand, let the earnest, heartfelt
cry of the young be raised to heaven: “Wherewithal shall a young man
cleanse his way?” And may his ears be open and his heart inclined to obey
the instruction given in the answer: “By taking heed thereto according to thy
word” (
Psalm 119:9
). The only safety for the youth in this age of pollution
is to make God their trust. Without divine help they will be unable to control
human passions and appetites. In Christ is the very help needed.... You can
say with the apostle: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us” (
Romans 8:37
). Again; “But I keep under my
body, and bring it into subjection” (
1 Corinthians 9:27
).
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