Snares of Satan
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people. He leads some 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 takes his stand by their side, and with all his power
seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting sins. The grace of God
and the light of truth may melt away their covetous, selfish feeling
for a little, but if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in
when they are not under a saving influence, and withers every noble,
generous principle, and they think that too much is required of them.
They become weary of well-doing, and forget the great sacrifice which
Jesus made to redeem them from the power of Satan and from hopeless
misery.
Satan took advantage of the covetous, selfish disposition of Judas,
and led him to murmur when Mary poured the costly ointment upon
Jesus. Judas looked upon this as a great waste, and declared that the
ointment 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 controls them, but they know it not.
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God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness or selfish-
ness, and He abhors the prayers and exhortations of those who indulge
these evil traits. As Satan sees that his time is short, he leads men on
to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees
them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the
eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph,
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exulting over them, and laughing at the folly of those who accept his
suggestions and enter his snares.
Satan and his angels mark all the mean and covetous acts of these
persons, and present them to Jesus and His holy angels, saying re-
proachfully: “These are Christ’s followers! They are preparing to be
translated!” Satan compares their course with passages of Scripture
in which it is plainly rebuked, and then taunts 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-doing, He becomes weary of them. I saw