The ‘Ruler of this World’ loves Christians...

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...who devour one another! It makes his work so much easier!

We seem to forget who “rules the roost” around here. Why is that? Why do we seem to disconnect from the reality we know.... "Satan is the ruler of this "world" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19).

We are right here in the midst of his domain... this world is his kingdom. But it doesn’t mean we have to be influenced by his world. But you might be thinking.... “yes, I know that’s true, but I live in this world, so I need to be able to adapt, blend in, take advantage of opportunities, climb the ladder of success, pursue my dream, build my resume, achieve my goals, enjoy the fruits of my labors. I don’t want being a Christian to stifle me, hold me back, limit my potential. I don’t want being Christian to make me stand out like the only guy in a red suit in a sea of black ones.” Sound familiar?

Furthermore, the latest Barna survey found that the majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan the Devil, is a real being. The survey finds that nearly 60% of professing Christians believe that Satan "is not a living being at all but is just a symbol of evil." Interestingly, the majority of these surveyed Christians believe a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces, such as demons or evil spirits, even though many of these same people believe Satan is merely a symbol of evil.

What does this say about our concern that we might be controlled or manipulated by the crafty shenanigans of the Devil? Think about this.... If you don’t believe he exists, then you don’t believe he can influence you. You assume no responsibility for guarding against him and you aren’t worried about falling prey to the influences of his world. That’s why it’s so easy for Christians to live their lives with one foot in Satan’s world and one in God’s Kingdom. Sorry to dispel that notion... but that sort of fence straddling won't work, not with God. Not believing in Satan removes the barriers to doing what you want, when you want , how you want , leaving you free to craft a brand of Christianity to suit your lifestyle.

Satan and his demons believe in God and shudder in fear. When Jesus said that true believers are no longer of the world—he means we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles and influences of Satan’s world. In Christ... we have genuine “freedom of choice”, unfettered by sin. No more “ring in the nose”, so to speak. God promised that submissive and obedient Christians are being changed into the image of Christ. This “Christlike” transformation causes our interest in the things of the world and its attitudes to become less and less influential on us as we mature in Christ.

NOT believing in the Devil, says that you are in control and you will decide the terms and conditions of your commitment to God. The world has no subversive influence over you. Frankly such a belief leaves you with no excuse for your bad behavior expect your own attitudes and choices. It is in fact a blasphemous affront to God who offers you His protection against the evil one. True believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). A true believer must be set apart from the world. If you believe in God, then you believe in His enemy Satan and his evil demons and their power to influence and control you.

Living a life approved by God is not easy. It’s hard work and sometimes we feel like we’re being deprived of pleasures and all the things we would like to be doing.

When God says we are to live holy lives, the images conjured in our minds repel us. We might try for awhile, but the long run is just too much to ask. Hence, we dabble in the world, drifting back and forth in and out of our commitment, submission and obedience to God’s commands. The meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life is to be set apart. That doesn't mean living in a monastery , wearing sack cloth and sitting in a pile of ashes. It’s an attitude of Godliness... a deep personal desire to be seen in the eyes of God... as one like Christ.

We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2). Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3 

This is a daily challenge, a daily activity, constantly renewing, not some occasional reflection in God’s direction. We must be constantly and acutely aware of the quality of our commitment and submission to God. Sounds very hard and it certainly can be if your mind is more in sync with this world, than with God.

We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is essential if we are to be part of God’s purpose. We are to be a light, a beacon of hope to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that nonbelievers see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us.

Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Our bad conduct and behavior gives Christianity a black-eye! Even the nonbeliever understands the principle... that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit at all times.

Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the good things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us. God does not discourage us from providing well for our families, saving for retirement, having nice things, relaxation activities or anything His creation and our free will can make possible. The problem that affects us, our relationships with other Christians and threatens our churches, is when we immerse ourselves in worldly values, embracing worldly attitudes, philosophies and chasing after worldly pleasures. Unbridled pursuit of pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was in our hopeless state. Our life goal “in Christ” is to live holy lives in awe, reverence and worship of God. That’s an every moment of everyday commitment.

So the next time you hit a snag in your communication with other Christians, where something is said or done that leads to a misunderstanding that potentially could cause a serious rift, think about who is controlling the situation. It’s not you... you’re being used and manipulated because of your willingness to battle windmills and make mountains out of mole hills. It’s not your brother who may or may not be causing your problem, even though you’re pretty sure he's the culprit. It is none other than God’s enemy... our real living adversary...Satan. The Devil seeks to consume you in any way possible, so be on guard. (1 Peter 5:8)

When we relish the role of combatant, standing toe-to-toe with our brothers in the congregation over trivial and insignificant things, it makes us... believers... the beloved of God... His children... His Church.... appear no different from anyone else in the world. Tear out your heart in darkness and renovate according to the power that seeks to make you a new creation in Christ. Commit––Yield–– Submit to the Holy Spirit in Holy living.