There is a stark difference between a believer and someone who is of the world. We sacrifice our lives and our time to God, while the wicked sacrifice their lives and time to the devil. How can I say this? Anything we do that does not glorify God is of the devil. So if most of our time, if not all of it is found doing things that the flesh enjoys instead of serving God, then our heart is for that place also. That is why there is darkness in these people and the places they go to. God’s light cannot enter an unholy place, but only into people who confess and forsake their sins before God. There must be an ounce of sincerity to do God’s will in the person’s life, for them to also be led by God. It is true that we cannot go to heaven without God’s backing. What we think will not matter when all is said and done, but only the impression we made to God while on this earth. You know how it is when you go to interviews. Where if you make a good, you may land the job, but if not, then the job could be in jeopardy. The same is with God. He is looking for people who really want what He offers, and not what they wish to continue in. These are those who are saved and will also hear the words someday, “well done good and faithful servant. Enter into my rest, which has been prepared for you.”
To help you understand what I am saying, Paul said, “but I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” (1 Corinthians 10:20-23) “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.” (1 Corinthians 10:7-9) God has higher standards than what the world desires for us. His ways are holy, while the world has learned to tolerate different things, in order to justify their sinful way of life. This is unfortunately setting themselves up for the Great White Throne judgment. Where each person who is not found written in the book of life shall be tossed into the lake of fire. Forever will they be tormented in those flames. Now, you have a choice to make. Will you serve and sacrifice to God or the devil? This decision has eternal consequences or rewards tied to it. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that each one of our minds will be steadfast on You. Help us to not be tempted by the evil one, but to stay in Your love. There is peace and hope for each person who puts their trust in You, but guilt and shame for those who do not. I often wonder where people’s hearts are really, who say they are for You. Do they live a life that is pleasing in Your sight, or do they work iniquity like the rest of the wicked and unbelievers? I know that our belief in You means a lot to those who truly love You, but very little to those who do not. When asked if they are a Christian, they may sit and pause for a minute before saying yes. Where deep down they know they have gone astray. Maybe, just maybe, does this conversation leads them back to You, Jesus, but I am afraid most people continue their same way of life after the fact. As for me, Lord, You are everything I need. Each day I have breath, it is because You gave it to me. I am alive today and other days in the past because of my will to serve You. Use me for Your kingdom, God, even until the end of my days. Lead me ever in Your light and from the hand of the evil one. I love You more than anything else. Amen.