Drawn Away

                                                                                                            
Aloha Dearest Family,

            In our day and in our time, more than any other time in history, the church (especially the youth) face a desperate battle that we fight daily. It is a battle, not for lands or personal freedom, but for the very thoughts we think. This is the reason that many cannot enjoy the close relationship with God that they long for.

            The massive influence that popular media has on our society as a whole is frightening. Because of T.V. shows, computer access to EVERYTHING, and cell phone addiction due to social media, the very thoughts we think are dictated by what we see and hear. Today’s youth seem to live and die by their cell phones and the need to stay connected to what’s happening in their world. Yes, there is certainly a battle being waged everyday. But how can we fight this battle and be victorious? What does God say?

            One of the first things that God wants us to know is that we have an enemy; our adversary, the devil. God states that we are not to be ignorant of his methods,

            Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (II Corinthians 2:11) 

Many in the church are certainly ignorant of the devil’s devices. Some even refuse to admit that there is a devil. God wants us to know how the devil operates so that we will be able to stand against him and his ways. 

Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist… (I Peter 5:8 and 9a) 

            One of the first things the church today needs to know is that because of the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are no longer a part of the devils kingdom (Colossians 1:13). We are now legal citizens of heaven itself (Philippians 3:20). Therefore Satan has no more authority over us. He cannot come out and attack us directly, so the best he can do is try to entice us away from God and His Word. He will make the things in the world look inviting so we will follow. This is how Satan draws us away from God.

            But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14) 

Satan entices us by making the things of the world look attractive and appealing. He will work on what we constantly hear and see so that we will desire what is shown to us. Once this starts - he has won. We will no longer seek the things of God, by our own desires. This strategy is not new. It is as old as time. The devil has always tried to draw God’s people away from following God by using this method. God warns us in His Word not to love the things that are in the world. If we do we cannot truly learn to love the Father. 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in Him. (I John 2:15)

                The second thing that the church needs to know, is who they truly are in Christ. We are sons and daughters of God Almighty, with all of the ability of Jesus Christ within us. God has made us His own and set us apart. Since God has set us apart, we should not desire to be a part of the world’s system.

            For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. (II Corinthians 6:16 and 17a)

We live in the world, but we are not part of it.

            If we are going to win the battle, we need to control the thoughts that we think. This is vital! Our lives depend on it! Remember, the devil wants to steal from us, destroy our lives and then finally kill us. (John 10:10) (He will start by stealing the thoughts we think). Today’s media is set up to do just that. But our true lives are found in God and Jesus Christ. So this is where our thoughts should be. 

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died (our sinful life died with Christ), and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1,2)

            When we have our minds fixed upon God and what he has truly made us to be, we can not be tricked or enticed or drawn away from God. Then we will have won the battle.

                                                Love Always, Ray

 And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may be able to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)