When Satan was cast into this earth he usurped ownership through his evil principles, deceiving our first parents which has resulted in an ugly blotch on this planet. He offered the planet to Christ if He would just pay him the coveted homage, but Christ rejected his offer. Failing to conquer Christ, all the efforts of the satanic host are now directed at Christ’s followers. Never jeopardize the life our Saviour offers us by considering anything offered by Satan worth the risk, or you will pay the price.
“By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were offered Christ, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would not be bought; He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not abandon His purpose. With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here he has better success than with Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 130.
Has Satan been successful in putting blotches in your life? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” II Peter 5:8.
“To men he offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they
- sacrifice integrity,
- disregard conscience,
- indulge selfishness.
“Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me.
- I hold your welfare in my hands.
- I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness.
- Hearken to my counsel.
- Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice.
- I will prepare the way before you.
“Thus multitudes are deceived. They consent to live for the service of self, and Satan is satisfied. While he allures them with the hope of worldly dominion, he gains dominion over the soul. But he offers that which is not his to bestow, and which is soon to be wrested from him. In return he beguiles them of their title to the inheritance of the sons of God.” Ibid.
Search your heart and ask Jesus to identify any blotches that Satan has left on you. Don’t be intimated into thinking that it is okay to yield to your desires or feelings according to your own wishes, regardless of others. Stand with integrity and uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles.
Satan is a defeated foe; he is a loser! He chose his own way and lost an eternity of happiness and longs to deceive others out of an eternity of bliss and to share his own misery. “Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God.” Ibid., 131.
Heavenly Father: Grant me spiritual discernment and grace that I may never sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience or indulge in selfishness. I want no part of Satan’s character. Please cleanse the blotches that stain my life with the precious blood of Jesus. Let the mind of Christ direct my actions through Thy Holy Spirit that I may receive the inheritance of an eternity of happiness. Amen.