Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (KJV)
Watch out as the journey of life keeps unfolding. As the chapters of your destiny unfolds, you are faced with decisions, actions or inactions which have major outcomes to your future. It is noteworthy that in certain African films, when people are found guilty of crimes, their plea is “It’s the devil” Interestingly when they made those deals that appeared lucrative, they never saw the devil in action. The concept of the devil has been that of, a fierce looking monster with horns and in a red clothing. This idea gives a wrong impression of who the devil really is. The devil is Deception, Encoded in Vainglory and when you get Involve with any of his suggestions, it will certainly prove Lethal. James advises of the way which one can overcome such deceptions. He states, “SUBMIT YOURSELF TO GOD” and without submission, you will not be able to resist the devil. The devil has been clever from day one and still has the same mode of operation. He thrives on deception. This is noted in the garden of Eden when he appeared to Eve questioning the instructions God had given.
Has God said? was his approach, sowing the seed of doubt in her mind. God knows that you will be better off if you took my advise, that is why He does not want you to taste of the fruit. The devil always promises a better outcome to the event, but as Adam and Eve realized, it cost them the Garden of Eden when they submitted to him instead of God (Genesis 3:1-24) What are you being tempted with? What is being offered to you that is pleasing to the eye? What is being proposed that sounds so good to the ear? What suggestions have been made that will elevate you from your present position? The question you must ask and ponder over is, “What will be the outcome of this step I’m about to take?” Will it contravene an instruction from God? Will I loose the privilege of the “Garden of Eden” where all things have been provided by the Lord? What will be the impart of this action on my spouse, children, the extended family, the church and my nation? Is it going to be a temporary gratification or will it bring undue hardship to me and the people around me?
As you journey through life I will encourage you to submit to God as this is the only position offering protection from the devil. The devil tempted Jesus Christ but because Christ has humbled himself in submission to God, the devil left Him for a season (Luke 4:1-13). Submission requires you to walk away from selfish interest, walk by faith not by sight and to seek to build on a foundation whose maker and builder is God, not man. It requires that you do not lean unto your own understanding or how good you may feel, but you acknowledge God and allow Him to direct your path, as He promised, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye Psalms 32:8 (KJV)” Therefore submit to God and allow Him to instruct and guide your decision making process. As you walk in His guidance, he will give you gifts which James aptly describes as, good and perfect (James 1:17). Be blessed as you seek the good and perfect outcomes with God, Amen.
Dr. Rex
