Beech Tree News Network

The Scriptures describe Satan as being active! We see Satan “going to and fro in the earth, and … walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7, 2:2), looking for a righteous man. Peter warned, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). A lioness will wait patiently for her time to strike and kill the gazelle. In hunting, she is active and has a goal in mind. Satan is also described as being as active as a lion! Jesus said that Satan was a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). Friend, his actions continue to this day.

When we read the Bible, we do not get the impression that Satan takes a day off. Satan is not sitting somewhere on a beach relaxing, is he? Look at this world. Satan has his hand in TV networks, newspapers, magazines, radio, the internet, etc.. He is in our schools, our military, our government, and our homes. No friends, Satan does not rest!

Observe the character and content of most families, and we will see Satan’s work. Divorce, abuse, ungodly behavior, being lax in training the children, hypocritical behavior, and many other things are present in families due to Satan’s influence. Remember, as goes the home, so goes the nation. Therefore, we find Satan working “overtime” in the home to try and lure folks away from God.

Further, when the laws of men are enacted which legalize sin (ex: gambling/lotteries, alcohol, abortion of babies, homosexuality, etc.), you can rest assured that Satan has been working overtime among our government’s leaders! In studying world leaders, we find such sins as pride, lying, stealing, etc. These facts all bear record to the fact that Satan is at work in the government!

The book of I John lets us know that men are tempted with the lusts of the flesh and eyes, and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17). We are told that Satan walks around like a lion looking for his next meal (I Pet. 5:8). Satan has not stopped yet but continues to look for the “weak,” “sickly,” and those who are just unaware of their surroundings. When we see folks caught up in alcoholism, abusive behavior, lying, stealing, pornography, being unfaithful to God, ignorant of His word, not praying, not living for Christ, etc., we are seeing the evidence of a people who are victims of Satan. Yes, Satan works overtime!

Sadly, many today are lax in their attitude toward Satan and his work. For this, we can also thank Satan. He wants folks to be unimpressed with him, and make light of his tactics. If folks think Satan is a myth or a joke, he is happy with this. He knows such people will not take him seriously, and therefore will not take their salvation seriously. Solomon wrote, “Fools mock at sin” (Prov. 14:9). How Satan loves those “fools”! He wants more people to be foolish, and he works “overtime” to make sure this happens!

Can we fight against Satan? Absolutely! He is powerful, but Christ has given us the weapons and armor for fighting Satan (Eph. 6:10-17; Rom. 13:12, 14; II Cor. 10:3-5). Now we must use them! Let us awake from sleep and get busy fighting temptation (Jas. 4:7). Look to God (not self) for strength (Phil. 4:13). We can win!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167