I read a disturbing article about a gathering of the enemy's followers in Boston.
My first thought was that these people must be idiots, wicked or both. Once my initial shock and anger subsided I felt an overwhelming sadness. Can people really be this lost? It's one thing to say you don't believe in the church (pick one) or don't believe in Jesus but it's quite another to throw yourself at the feet of the Devil. Even in my youngest days when I self-described as atheist I would have never done that! I suppose that means I was never an atheist, not really.
Which brings me to my thesis. For those struggling to fully accept Jesus, ponder on the opposite. Does the article linked above turn your stomach? Does it fill you with anger, dread, fear or sadness? Then take heart! That's indication that your faith is present and growing. Be gladdened, not that willfully lost souls are metaphorically and perhaps literally playing with fire, but that you do indeed have faith and that your faith can be nurtured.
Sometimes, as strange as it seems, we need the testimony of the enemy.
`And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”` (Luke 4:5-8 ESV)
The enemy knows Jesus. The enemy tempted Jesus and Jesus rebuked him. If you fear the enemy then you also love Jesus. Build on that, not with ego and pride but with contrite and humble heart. You are God's child. He is reaching out to you. Do not turn away but give him your hand and he will do the rest in time.
My first thought was that these people must be idiots, wicked or both. Once my initial shock and anger subsided I felt an overwhelming sadness. Can people really be this lost? It's one thing to say you don't believe in the church (pick one) or don't believe in Jesus but it's quite another to throw yourself at the feet of the Devil. Even in my youngest days when I self-described as atheist I would have never done that! I suppose that means I was never an atheist, not really.
Which brings me to my thesis. For those struggling to fully accept Jesus, ponder on the opposite. Does the article linked above turn your stomach? Does it fill you with anger, dread, fear or sadness? Then take heart! That's indication that your faith is present and growing. Be gladdened, not that willfully lost souls are metaphorically and perhaps literally playing with fire, but that you do indeed have faith and that your faith can be nurtured.
Sometimes, as strange as it seems, we need the testimony of the enemy.
`And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”` (Luke 4:5-8 ESV)
The enemy knows Jesus. The enemy tempted Jesus and Jesus rebuked him. If you fear the enemy then you also love Jesus. Build on that, not with ego and pride but with contrite and humble heart. You are God's child. He is reaching out to you. Do not turn away but give him your hand and he will do the rest in time.