We all know that Satan is our one true enemy. I was reminded of that this morning in my quiet time. The end of Ephesians 6 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood (each other), but against the powers of this dark world (satan and his minions). I was also reminded that this battle with him is won in 2 places....through prayer and through God's Word. Let us not be so naïve as to think that Satan will sit in the corner and sulk as we stand victorious.
I want to challenge each of you to commit with me to spend additional time in prayer every day and to spend time in God's word every day. This is where we will win the battle against Satan's schemes. His best attack is against the unity of the body of believers.
We don't often think of the following as Satanic attacks...but they are some of his best weapons against the body of believers...
Having a critical spirit - Defined as drawing attention to the perceived "wrong" in a person with no acknowledgement of their good. God's Word says that we are to love one another.
Having a complaining spirit - It is FAR too easy to get caught up in complaining. There is little that will cause damage to the body of believers and halt spiritual growth like complaining.
Not only do complaining and being critical damage the church family, they drive a wedge between you and God.
I have personally seen these two sins all but destroy people. I have seen them obliterate friendships. I have seen them destroy ministries. I have seen them split churches. These are the parents of gossip and slander. They are born of pride and selfishness and flow freely from a judgmental heart. Satan sticks with what works....and the body of believers falls victim to these attacks far too often.
Thankfully, God gives us the remedy for these destructive sins...LOVE one another. Re-read 1 Corinthians 13 for a lesson on what GOD expects our love for one another to look like.
Be sure to encourage each other, support each other, be patient with each other, and pray for and with each other as we serve together!
