Enmity Between Man and Satan
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who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the
unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and
excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin and determined re-
sistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly
and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals
himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over
their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them
harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character,
words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.
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Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it
never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably
cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the
servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way
of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king’s court, we
may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under
temptation we shall fall sooner or later.
The tempter often works most successfully through those who are
least suspected of being under his control. The possessors of talent and
education are admired and honored, as if these qualities could atone for
the absence of the fear of God or entitle men to His favor. Talent and
culture, considered in themselves, are gifts of God; but when these are
made to supply the place of piety, when, instead of bringing the soul
nearer to God, they lead away from Him, then they become a curse and
a snare. The opinion prevails with many that all which appears like
courtesy or refinement must, in some sense, pertain to Christ. Never
was there a greater mistake. These qualities should grace the character
of every Christian, for they would exert a powerful influence in favor
of true religion; but they must be consecrated to God, or they also
are a power for evil. Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant
manners, who would not stoop to what is commonly regarded as an
immoral act, is but a polished instrument in the hands of Satan. The
insidious, deceptive character of his influence and example renders
him a more dangerous enemy to the cause of Christ than are those who
are ignorant and uncultured.
By earnest prayer and dependence upon God, Solomon obtained
the wisdom which excited the wonder and admiration of the world.
But when he turned from the Source of his strength, and went forward
relying upon himself, he fell a prey to temptation. Then the marvelous