Distinguishing Between the Voice of God and the Voice of Satan
It was with a good heart that Peter told Jesus not to go to the cross. But Jesus immediately recognized that suggestion as being the voice of Satan and told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan. Your mind is set on man’s interests and not on God’s interests” (Matt.16:23).
We see there that we can distinguish between the voice of God and the voice of Satan in our hearts only if our minds are set on God’s interests. If our minds are set on our own interests primarily, then we can mistake the voice of Satan for the voice of God. So, it is good in all that we do – even in your study, work, and play – to have a heavenly perspective. Do all for the glory of God (1Cor.10:31).
Study well at college and play well on the field, and glorify God always – like Eric Liddell, who never compromised his convictions even when it meant the loss of an Olympic gold medal!! Never be ashamed to let others know that you have certain standards as a Christian. May the Lord help you to do so.
Cultivate an earnest desire to honour God, in the midst of the battles you face whether in school or college, at work, or at home. The Lord will give you grace and strength to face and overcome every attack of the enemy by which he would try to make you compromise. The Lord is always on your side against Satan, and He will enable you to overcome the evil one.
God has allowed many things on this earth to be attractive, so that we can prove when we are tempted by them, that we love God more than everything else on earth. Thus, we put Satan to shame. The Creator is far greater, far more wonderful, and far more satisfying than all of His creation. This is true and that is why we believe it. This faith of ours is what makes us overcome the attractions of the world. When we live by this faith blindly, our feelings will follow along, in due course. We must not look for feelings first.
Battling against Satan is good for our spirits. Only thus can we become strong. Be a good soldier of Christ. The Lord is depending on you. We too, are depending on you to keep the flag of the Lord flying high and triumphant – so that the Lord’s name is never put to shame!
If soldiers can sacrifice so much for the sake of their country to keep their country independent and free, how much more we should be willing to sacrifice everything (even our lives), so that the Lord is honoured through our lives in every way, and Satan put to shame.
SOL.ARUN