“Resist the Devil and He will Flee from You.”
By Martha D. Amadon
THE Christian is represented in the word of God as a soldier on the battle-field. He is often ignorant of when he may be attacked by his foe, though he knows by his often-repeated endeavors to destroy him, that he has such a foe, powerful and cunning. His work in this world is to overcome this enemy. Satan very well knows this, therefore his efforts are many and strong to seduce and lead astray the Christian. He does not come in the same way repeatedly if once defeated, but all his plans are deceitful and sly. Those only whose minds are set to serve the King of heaven, and whose eyes are anointed with the heavenly eye-salve, can discern and avoid them. Every one who enlists to fight this fight of faith will have contests with the enemy. Not one will be exempt. All will have the conflict to endure, and only as victory is gained from time to time, through Him who once conquered him, will they be free from the attacks of this dreadful foe. His constant employ is to deceive and destroy mankind, to tempt and seduce God’s people; and all share alike in his temptations who strive to be Christians. But notwithstanding the danger into which we are thrown by this enemy, we have weapons so sure that however close the contest, or great the danger, we may escape them. We have rules, which if followed, will guide us safely amid any temptation. The apostle Paul tells us that no temptation hath taken you but such as is common to man, “but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Peter also says, “Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren which are in the world.” Like a lion greedy of his prey, is our adversary, the Devil, walking about seeking whom he may devour. Then our work, if we would overcome, is to watch and be vigilant, to resist and overcome him. The promise is, He will flee from you. But some ask, How do we know his temptations? The child of God, if watchful, can easily tell a suggestion of the enemy. They are very unlike the good impressions of the Spirit of God. They throw the mind into confusion, betray the heart, and ultimately lead to sin, while the operations of the holy Spirit always lead the mind nearer to God, and impress it with a greater sense of his holiness and greatness. To some he may come as an angel of light, and at others he will hurl his fiery darts of hatred and malice. To some he will offer all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, as he did to the Son of God; others he would lead into low channels of vice and sin. But notwithstanding all this, we may resist his first approach. We need not wait till caught in his snare, and then have to battle with him; but in His strength who has overcome, who will send heavenly messengers on winged speed to aid us, we may overcome and keep at bay the powers of darkness. The wise man said, very wisely too, that “the little foxes spoil the vines;” so it is little sins that finally cause greater ones. Perhaps we neglect a duty. It seems very small to us. The cross is there, and we hear something say, Wait till next time. This is so congenial to our feelings that we wait, but Satan set the trap, and next time it is no easier. We listen again, and grieve the Holy Spirit. Our own souls are wounded, and others also. No Christian is without burdens and cares. And what if our pathway is rough? What if now and then discouragements come? We are taught to take for an example of suffering, afflictions, and patience, the apostles and prophets. Have we passed through all they have? Were Moses, Elijah, David, or Jeremiah, here, could we tell of an example of suffering like theirs? Were those holy apostles who laid down their lives for Christ’s sake here, would we compare our trials with theirs? Were Jesus walking with men now, would we complain to him of trials? I think we would not venture. What will be our reward at last, if we think the way hard now? What will be the words which will greet our ears, when the Judge shall pass sentence upon all the world, if we are continually looking back into the world to idols sacrificed for the truth? Will it not be, “Thou wicked and slothful servant?” We are certainly having new evidences that trying scenes are just upon us. Are we girded with the heavenly armor, so that the evil one toucheth us not? or are we often stung and wounded by his fiery darts? Some are seemingly fulfilling the testimony, “Waiting for something to move them.” Perhaps trials deep will come to do it, or it may be they will be spued out of the mouth of God. We have omens that trials are upon us. Some have already entered the crucible. Oh may we be prepared for all that our heavenly Father sees that we need, that we may at last stand with that company who come up out of great tribulation, and plant their glad feet upon mount Zion with the Lamb.
MARTHA D. AMADON.
Battle Creek, Mich.