Satan has powerful tools. They don’t seem like much when you see them, as they are often labeled as being quite natural. If you think about it, some of his best weapons are of stealth design. Pleasant feelings like safety, control, comfort and familiarity can be used to stunt the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. We fear what we don’t understand or that is beyond our control. We become discouraged easily which causes us to doubt our knowledge, abilities, effectiveness and eventually, our mission. We belong to a society that preaches tolerance and emphasizes individual rights and freedoms; a society that appreciates people who mind their own business and finds it most desirable not to choose sides.
Isn’t it just like Satan to take the pure and simple and turn it against us? Well he does. Spend any time analyzing the feelings that allow you to remain silent while there is even one person within your circle of influence who is not following Jesus and at the root you will probably find an excuse, sprung from a seed of doubt, fear or indifference. Now stop dwelling on these thoughts as they can cause guilt, which can be another tool in Satan’s arsenal if misplaced or misapplied. Only meditate on it long enough recognize the reality, and let it move you to action.
Do not despair. Your God has powerful tools, too. On the ethereal level He has given the Holy Spirit and instant access to His undivided attention through prayer. He gave us a promise and the proof we need to believe it. In our physical realm He gave us Jesus and the Word. He gave us a conscience; a sense of right and wrong. In His hands, His church is a mighty tool on earth to win the world. In an esoteric sense, Christians recognize the peace that underlies the torrents of life. We know the joy that having hope can bring and recognize God’s love in sending Jesus.
Here’s the funny thing about tools: they don’t operate themselves. A hammer won’t drive a single nail without somebody there to swing it and give it direction. A Bible is ineffective in the hands of someone unwilling to open it, or unable to read and comprehend it. The Holy Spirit in you travels where your feet take it, and without your lips it is silent. Congregations of the Lord’s church can take the appearance of a beacon in the community or can look like a building where people go in and out occasionally.
Each and every one of us carries a toolbox loaded with many tools that can be used for a variety of projects. Not every tool is required for every job and we have to choose them carefully. When the project involves the opportunity to lead someone to Jesus, we might reach down and choose compassion and love. Look in your toolbox and find the trusty Holy Spirit to make sure the job gets done right. If you find fear, doubt and indifference, these are not the tools for the job. Put them down.
Read 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4. Pay attention to the plight of Paul and other disciples, but particularly verses 8-9, 17-18. There, now, Christian. Feeling Better?
