There are times in life when we have to take a hard stand. While in public service for twenty years, I became adept at the art of compromise, receiving considerable attention for my “excellent negotiating skills.” I found the middle ground on various difficult political issues and sought a “win-win” outcome for both the agency I served and the citizens who felt offended. Balancing concerns can be a hindrance in our own character development, though, if we end up compromising our position before God. God isn’t interested in negotiating. When we identify as a disciple of Christ, submit ourselves to God’s authority over everything, and desire to serve Him in all our endeavors, we will find ourselves in direct conflict with Satan. There is no room to compromise with the evil one.
We are either aligned with the Kingdom of God and His lordship, or we are in Satan’s kingdom and under his control. We cannot serve two masters, expecting to play in the arena with evil things and effectively work for the Kingdom of God. With spiritual humility we must take an uncompromising stand against satanic things. This means taking a stand against the person of Satan and anything he represents.
“Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Prior to becoming a Christian, we had no power to resist Satan’s pull. Our leveling influence was societal laws, ever-changing cultural morals, our upbringing, and the people who influenced our decisions (family, friends, etc.). It was what we knew. Once we become Christians, we have a new life in Christ, and as a person of deep convictions, having a solid faith in Jesus Christ, we now have a more powerful influence in our lives: the Holy Spirit. And now, God’s power enables us to stand firm and resist the temptations.
“No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Resisting Satan often requires resisting compromise. It means not “just this one time,” not “just a little bit,” not “mostly right,” not “mostly true,” and not when you think “nobody will know the difference.” To others, resisting Satan might look weak, uncool, or judgmental. Peter reminds us that we are not alone and urges us to stand firm in our faith.
“Stand firm against [Satan], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” (1 Peter 5:9 NLT).
It takes courage, strength, humility, and a determination to please God more than man to hold true to God’s Word and fight off the evil one. To stand firm against the schemes of the devil, we must be ready for battle.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17
Personal Application: To flee from Satan’s influence, to resist compromise, to face the temptations of this world, we need to put on the full armor of God and humble ourselves before God. Being humble before God doesn’t mean being weak before Satan. God is your source of strength and will enable you to stand firm and resist. What temptations do you face today? Are you dressed for battle?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5