Playing with Fire!
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13.
Lord, I know that I cannot serve two masters. There are many examples of people who try to obey their own fleshly desires, inspired by Satan and at the same time trying to serve God.
I remember the bitter lesson King Asa learned trying to play both ends against the middle. He appeased the King of Syria, an archetype of Satan, by giving him expensive gifts from the Temple. Result? “He helped him not.” (2 Chronicles 28:21). Distressed Ahaz turned to Syria and sacrificed to its gods, “but they were the ruin of him” (v23). The king made the mistake thinking that he could satisfy Satan. The more he tried to appease Satan his situation grew worse.
How many believers are self-deceived thinking if they give into grip of sin over them will weaken. They really believe if they don’t make waves and give in a little Satan will leave them alone. There are many examples of people who try to obey their own fleshly, desires, and Satan who inspires them and at the same time trying to serve God. I like what Paul stated when he said we should give no opportunity to Satan. (Ephesians 4:27). Look at the ruined lives of those who gave him a chance-Eve, David, Judas, Ananias and Sapphira. The price is too steep.
My carnal nature loves to bargain. I shrink from pain and struggle; because we think it is easier to keep Satan quiet. Appeasement is the habit of a careless life, not the habit of a soldier. There is something inwardly begins to crumble if I do stand up to Satan. Appeasement is my confession of defeat and failure, my resignation from discipleship, my surrender to the one who nailed Jesus to the cross. Paul stated, “not for one moment do we yield”. (Galatian 2:5). Each time I refuse Satan and his lies I will be strengthened; each resistance will make be a better solider of Jesus Christ.