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Matthew 25:24-25
“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back." |
The servant thought he knew God but clearly he didn’t. Somewhere along the way he became fearful of God, but God’s perfect love cast out all fear (1 John 4:18). What happened after he received his gift that convinced him it was better not to use it? This story is a great example of the tactics the enemy still uses on God’s children today. He is continually trying to instill fear, doubt, and confusion within us. The Bible says the devil is the "father or lies" and that lying is his native language (John 8:44).
There was once a season in my life when I was surrounded by someone that continually spoke lies. I was grounded in truth, but over time, I unknowingly began to believe the lies. There was a gradual acceptance of the other person's words instead of God’s truth. It was an incredibly challenging season. Like this servant, I began to bury the things that God wanted to grow.
This season eventually passed, and I was able to see it for the deception it was. No matter how strong our walk is with Christ, we will absorb what we are around. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, "Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."
While walking in the valley, I realized the enemy isn't after us as much as he is after our calling. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As we walk through life, the light of Christ that resides within us not only lights our path, but also provides light to those around us (Philippians 2:15). If the devil can convince us to hide our light or bury our spiritual gifts, he’s not just robbing us, he’s also robbing others (Matthew 5:15).
Father, help us to become more like you in everything that we do! Help us to be your light and shine bright in all the dark places. Help us to not be deceived by the enemy's lies, but to remain firmly planted in the truth of your word! It is in Jesus’ mighty name we pray! Amen.
There was once a season in my life when I was surrounded by someone that continually spoke lies. I was grounded in truth, but over time, I unknowingly began to believe the lies. There was a gradual acceptance of the other person's words instead of God’s truth. It was an incredibly challenging season. Like this servant, I began to bury the things that God wanted to grow.
This season eventually passed, and I was able to see it for the deception it was. No matter how strong our walk is with Christ, we will absorb what we are around. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, "Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."
While walking in the valley, I realized the enemy isn't after us as much as he is after our calling. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As we walk through life, the light of Christ that resides within us not only lights our path, but also provides light to those around us (Philippians 2:15). If the devil can convince us to hide our light or bury our spiritual gifts, he’s not just robbing us, he’s also robbing others (Matthew 5:15).
Father, help us to become more like you in everything that we do! Help us to be your light and shine bright in all the dark places. Help us to not be deceived by the enemy's lies, but to remain firmly planted in the truth of your word! It is in Jesus’ mighty name we pray! Amen.