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Covetousness
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of God’s 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 feelings 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
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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. God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness
or selfishness, 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, 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
reproachfully, “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 fruit 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 that He is greatly displeased with the least