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Beware of Satan’s Snares, August 4
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition.
1 Timothy 6:9
.
Satan has nets and snares, like the snares of the fowler, all prepared to
entrap souls. It is his studied purpose that men shall employ their God-
given powers for selfish ends rather than yield them to glorify God. God
would have men engage in a work that will bring them peace and joy and
will render them eternal profits, but Satan wants us to concentrate our
efforts for that which profiteth not, for things that perish with the using....
The heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace of
Christ that passeth understanding may rest in your soul, and the transform-
ing power of His grace may work in your life and fit you for the courts of
glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed in the service
of self, you are not making God and heaven the first consideration of your
life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of Christ into your character
while you are putting all your energies on the side of the world. You may
be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth for the glory of self, but
“where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (
Matthew 6:21
).
Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may
take part in the outward forms of worship, but your service will be an
abomination to the God of heaven....
If the eye is single, if it is directed heavenward, the light of heaven will
fill the soul, and earthly things will appear insignificant and uninviting.
The purpose of the heart will be changed, and the admonition of Jesus will
be heeded. You will lay up your treasure in heaven. Your thoughts will
be fixed upon the great reward of eternity. All your plans will be made
in reference to the future, immortal life. You will be drawn toward your
treasure. You will not study your worldly interest, but in all your pursuits
the silent inquiry will be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (
Acts 9:6
).
Bible religion will be woven into your daily life
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6
The Review and Herald, January 24, 1888
.
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