Basic HTML Version
To Resist Temptation, March 13
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
James 4:7
.
Satan still comes with his temptations to the children of men. He
employs every means at his command to conceal himself from view, and
this is why so many are ignorant of his devices. A few days since, the
question was asked me, “Do you believe in a personal devil?” “I do,” was
the answer. “Well,” rejoined the questioner, “I do not believe that there is
any such being; our evil thoughts and impulses are all the devil we know
anything about!” “But,” I asked, “who suggests these thoughts? Whence
do they originate, if not from Satan?” ...
Just as surely as we have a personal Saviour, we have also a personal
adversary, cruel and cunning, who ever watches our steps, and plots to lead
us astray. He can work most effectually in disguise. Wherever the opinion
is entertained that he does not exist, there he is most busy. When we least
suspect his presence, he is gaining advantage over us. I feel alarmed as I
see so many of the youth yielding to his power while they know it not. Did
they but see their danger, they would flee to Christ, the sinner’s refuge
Aim to be faithful students in the school of Christ, learning daily to
conform your life to the divine Pattern. Set your faces heavenward, and
press toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus.
Run the Christian race with patience, and rise superior to every temptation,
however grievous it may be, that shall come to you. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God; and if you are desirous of taking
the first upward step, you will find His hand stretched out to help you. It
remains with you, individually, as to whether you walk in the light of the
Sun of Righteousness, or in the darkness of error. The truth of God can be
a blessing to you only as you permit its influence to purify and refine your
soul
[80]
32
The Youth’s Instructor, November 21, 1883
.
33
The Youth’s Instructor, May 30, 1895
.
80