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.

It’s an old Southern phrase, meaning that a person had heard something so profound or shocking that he was rendered speechless.  It is also, quite often, a really good idea. Words can hurt much worse than you ever intended them to.  Words are like bullets. They can intimidate up close or even drop someone from a distance. One poor soul said,

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words…..can drive me straight to the therapist and pay for his next vacation.”

Now, you may say that you’re not a word person, and that you don’t care about all this. But the way you say it can be revealing.

“I reckon if a feller gets his shirt in a snit ’bout my words, he kin have the gumption to tell me or jest walk away from it.  I ain’t no Psachytrist.”  (simple, direct, frustrated)

“The complexity and confusion involved with word usage is derived from the multiple meanings assigned to words by different cultures and demographics.” (analytical)

“Words are like notes on a music sheet or strokes of the artist’s brush.  They create, inspire, and bring visions to life.”  (insightful, hopeful, perhaps a little naive)

“I say things I regret sometimes. But talking is the way I connect. My friends will sift what I say and overlook the stupid stuff, while hearing my heart.”  (honest, apathetic)

Parental words have messed up their kid’s lives. Children’s words have broken parent’s hearts. Doctor’s words can bring assurance or a cold wave of fear.  Loving words can warm a cold heart. Coaches’ words drive underdogs to victory. Ministering words can bring life back into perspective. What about your words?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14, that prophetic words (words for others, given to you by God) will bless, comfort, and encourage.  Now, if that is what God will do through us, it tells me what He wants to do in us. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the Word.  He is the essence of God speaking. When I am living with the awareness of being “in Christ”, it does affect my conversation. Words become life-giving, encouraging and even lots of fun.

But I have been known to slip.  Though I’m improving as I grow in this revelation, there have been times that the slip has become an avalanche.  I love to eat, but poorly chosen words don’t taste that good.  What Ike did to Galveston in one unfortunate night will take a long time to restore. Words can be like that.

A sagacious Old Testament writer wrote, ”Set a watch, Oh Lord, before my mouth.”  I know the feeling, but being a son of the south, I tend to respond to my verbose inclinations with something like,

“Well, shut my mouth!”

Hey, it works for me.  Or does it?