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Satan and Man at War
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Why is it that Satan meets no greater resistance? Because the
soldiers of Christ have so little real connection with Christ. Sin is
not to them repulsive as it was to their Master. They do not meet
it with determined resistance. They are blinded to the character of
the prince of darkness. Multitudes do not know that their enemy is a
mighty general warring against Christ. Even ministers of the gospel
overlook the evidences of his activity. They seem to ignore his very
existence.
A Vigilant Foe
This vigilant foe is intruding his presence in every household, in
every street, in the churches, in national councils, in courts of justice.
Perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and
bodies of men, women, and children. He breaks up families, sowing
hatred, strife, sedition, and murder. And the world seems to regard
these things as though God had appointed them and they must exist.
All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan.
When Christians choose the society of the ungodly, they expose
themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view and
draws his deceptive covering over their eyes.
Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world,
never the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will cause it to appear
less repulsive. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial,
we may be sure God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under
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temptation we shall fall sooner or later.
The tempter often works most successfully through those least
suspected of being under his control. Talent and culture are gifts
of God; but when these lead away from Him, they become a snare.
Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant manners is a polished
instrument in the hands of Satan.
Never forget the inspired warning sounding down the centuries
to our time: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” “Put
on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.”
1 Peter 5:8
;
Ephesians 6:11
. Our great enemy
is preparing for his last campaign. All who follow Jesus will be in
conflict with this foe. The more nearly the Christian imitates the