There is nothing so dangerous to an organization than a
former ally who changes sides and begins working for the “competition.” We see this often in our sports-oriented
society with athletes who were traded to another team or released or signed
with someone else as a free agent. The
next time they face their old team they are fired up and ready to defeat their
former friends. In times of war, the most
feared agents of the enemy may be spies planted within the ranks. This can be dangerous to morale and cause
fatal results to an army’s cause.
So it is understandable what Saul’s (later Paul)
conversion to Christianity did to the morale and cause of Judaism (and
Satan). To them he was a traitor - a
very dangerous threat. He knew their
system of doctrine and leadership inside and out. Thus their immediate reaction of trying to
kill him is understandable. Saul’s
switching sides and working for the “competition” threatened their way of life
and everything they had worked so hard to achieve.
However, the picture of the man Saul (Paul) that is
painted for us by Luke in the book of Acts shows a man who was totally
dedicated to God’s cause. For as soon as
he was faced with his error, he did what was necessary to get on the right track. And then he lived the rest of his life trying
to convince everyone (Jew and Gentile alike) of their need to do the same thing
he had done: change everything to fit God’s will. His life is a testament to
work of the Holy Spirit within the believer to bring about the changes needed
to be right with God.
And make no mistake; as soon as you follow Paul’s
example, the enemy WILL feel threatened and WILL do what he can to eliminate
the threat. For Paul, the devil’s
attacks began at once, spilled over into the church (who refused to accept him
at first) and dogged him for the rest of his life. Satan promises to be relentless in stopping
those he considers to be traitors.
Paul succeeded, though, because he was determined to use
the power/strength that God provides with His Spirit that takes up residence
right inside us. Each one of us can
imitate Paul’s attitude and commitment by following the lead of the Holy
Spirit. And we need an all-out effort by every member. The church will survive into the future only
if God’s people defect to God’s side and work at defeating the enemy with all
of the energy that He generously provides.
So are you ready to do what’s right? Are you ready to change to fit God’s
will? Are you prepared to do battle with
Satan? God has promised to protect you
and reward you for letting Him have His way with you. Make the choice today to fit your will into
God’s and trust Him to bring you success – no matter what the enemy may throw
at you.
Doug
No comments:
Post a Comment