Hosanna

by Pastor James Bell

Satan is more often found working through our circumstances than possessing our bodies.

Most of the Devil’s work happens without him wanting or receiving the credit for it. These clever efforts are also missing the special effects seen in television’s definition of exorcisms, whether fictional on the movie channel or live on the Christian channel. It presents more difficulty for Christian leaders than rolled back eyes or foaming mouths. It is more devastating than scary. Satan is more often found working through our circumstances than possessing our bodies.

Visualize with me how this happens. Satan waits with folded arms and a knowing smile for certain circumstances to unfold in our lives. When things don’t go as we want them to, disappointment and frustration push us to express our discontent. We are tempted to sound off about it to anyone who might listen, especially our friends or folks we think would probably agree with us. Maybe we’ll regret it later, but for right now our button has been pushed. Also, we still have freedom of speech in this country, right?

Certain phrases become loud invitations for the evil one to rush to our aid:

“The Pastor is not perfect, and he was flat out wrong in that sermon today…”
Interpretation: “The Holy Spirit really convicted me today, and I don’t like the feeling that I am some kind of sinner because the Bible seems to contradict what I’m doing.”

“This church has a lot of problems and leadership is doing nothing to resolve them.”
Interpretation: “I don’t understand why this church doesn’t do things my way and doesn’t use my suggestions. I have good ideas too.”

“I have missed and missed the Sunday services, and no one ever calls.”
Interpretation: “I’ve had a hard time fitting in and making friends, so I’ve often chosen to just stay home or do something else. But I want to be wanted, even if I don’t reach out to others myself.”

All of these are issues that churches (including Hosanna) are constantly dealing with, and they are important issues. Satan, however, doesn’t really care about the issue. With him, it is not the issue but the opportunity. His target is almost never the person who voices the words, but rather it’s the ones who hear those words. Without them realizing what is happening, Satan has just set up those who hear the criticisms (especially if they are caring, sympathizing people, as most Christians are) for a sudden free fall from spiritual effectiveness into spiritual confusion.

Through the ages of church history, the enemy’s plan has always been to divide the church. A burned-down church will rise from the ashes. A persecuted church will miraculously multiply. But a divided church is sterile. It will die without re-producing itself. That’s why Jesus prayed that the church would be one, just as he and the Father are one. A united church is a powerful, effective, healthy church. That’s why division means everything to the evil one. He fears our unity more than anything.

The Devil didn’t make you do it. You simply decided to let off some steam. But he did jump all over the situation, targeting those who heard you more than focusing on you. He usually shows up later with either guilt (if you realize you were wrong) or a victim mentality (if you don’t) to try to offer you a “phase two” of his plan.

We can counter the Devil’s schemes by understanding his methods and refusing to let him use us. We can let openness and honesty replace insecurity and presumption. I think we are blessed that this situation is not as frequent in our congregation as it is in most churches, but it is something we can reverse for the glory of God and our own spiritual well-being.

Still love me?

James

p.s. I do love all of you, and that’s why I posted this.

Tags: Words

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