Covetousness
119
constantly putting suggestions into the minds of God’s people. Some
he leads in one way, and some in another, always taking advantage
of evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their
natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish and covetous,
Satan is well pleased to take his stand by their side, and then with
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all his power he seeks to lead them to manifest their besetting sins.
If the grace of God and the light of truth melt away these covetous,
selfish feelings for a little, and they do not obtain entire victory over
them, when they are not under a saving influence, Satan comes in and
withers up every noble, generous principle, and they think that they
have to do too much. They become weary of well-doing, and forget
all about the great sacrifice Jesus made for them, to redeem them from
the power of Satan, and hopeless misery.
Satan took advantage of Judas’ covetous, selfish disposition, and
led him to murmur against the ointment Mary dedicated to Jesus. Judas
looked upon it as a great waste; it might have been sold and given
to the poor. He cared not for the poor, but considered the liberal
offering to Jesus extravagant. Judas prized his Lord just enough to sell
him for a few pieces of silver. And I saw that there were some like
Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan
has the control over them, but they know it not. Not a particle of
covetousness or selfishness can God approbate. He hates it, and he
despises the prayers and exhortations of those who possess it. As Satan
sees his time is short, he leads them on to be more and more selfish,
more and more covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapt up in
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themselves, close, penurious and selfish. If the eyes of such could be
opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them,
and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions, and enter
his snares. Then he and his angels take the mean and covetous acts
of these individuals, and present them to Jesus and the holy angels,
and reproachfully say, These are Christ’s followers! They are getting
ready to be translated! Satan marks their deviating course, and then
compares it with the Bible, with passages which plainly rebuke such
things, and then presents it to annoy the heavenly angels, saying, These
are following Christ and his word! These are the fruits of Christ’s
sacrifice and redemption! Angels turn in disgust from the scene. God
requires a constant doing on the part of his people, and when they
become weary of well and generous doing, he becomes weary of them.