Satan’s Best Weapon

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”  2 Timothy 2:23-26

 What is Satan’s best weapon? Satan has many different kinds of “fiery darts” in his arsenal, but I believe his weapon of choice is Christians! Now before you start labeling me as a self-righteous Pharisee who is pointing a condemning finger at everyone but myself, I have three other fingers pointing back at me. It’s been said that Christians are the only army that shoots its wounded and I couldn’t agree more. I can’t blame unbelievers for not wanting to have anything to do with Christianity when they see Christians fighting among themselves, gossiping, treating each other in shameful ways, and looking like they’ve been sucking on lemons all week.

 In my Christian walk, I’ve observed, up close and personal, Christian brothers and sisters arguing and fighting about non-essentials such as speaking in tongues, the color of carpet in the church, the type of chairs used, how one is supposed to be baptized (sprinkled or immersed), which Bible translation is best, to wear a tie or not wear a tie, to wear a suit or not wear a suit, whether to use an organ or guitars, and the list goes on and on. I’ve heard Christian brothers and sisters gossip about each others’ appearance, body odor, clothing, hairstyles, and a myriad of other “hot topics”. I’ve seen Christians with hate and fire in their eyes and gnashing of teeth as they said horrible things about homosexuals who are in desperate need of a Savior. The only way we’re ever going to win to Christ the homosexual, the drug-addict, the town drunk, our next door neighbor, family member or any other sinner (by the way, we’re all sinners) is to love them and share Christ with them. Who did Christ hang out with? He spent time with the tax collectors (who were hated), prostitutes, lepers, beggars, the homeless and others who were despised in society. Jesus was known as a “friend of sinners”.  I’ve seen Christians rebuke other Christians that the reason they’re not healed of a serious illness is because they don’t have enough faith or they don’t tithe enough. Folks, the problem in the Church is not whether a person does or doesn’t speak in tongues. Our problem in the Church is “holding our tongues”! If Jesus were to return for His Church today (and I hope He does!) what would He say about your church, my church, our church? Would it be an indictment against us or would it be a “praise report”? If Jesus were to come back for His Bride today, would we be ashamed of how we’ve been representing Christianity? I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been guilty of letting my tongue get the best of me, more times that I care to remember.

 Hey, as Christ’s ambassadors, let’s start off this New Year practicing what we preach. Let’s ask the Lord to help us see others as He sees them and to love others as He loves them. Let’s stop arguing about the non-essentials and start talking more about Christ! And let’s start reaching out more to the lost because the only thing we’re going to be able to take to Heaven is other people, Amen? I’ve never seen a U-Haul trailer in a funeral procession and I’ve never seen a luggage rack on a hearse. Don’t give Satan any extra ammunition to use against us—he’s got plenty, trust me! Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, let’s have a New Year’s “Revolution” and start magnifying and glorifying God like never before! May God richly bless you until He returns!