There are plenty of actions that cause either pain or pleasure, but it seems to me that many of these are the cords that Satan uses to pull us away from our Lord. In fact, Satan binds us to his snares by these cords. The Spirit of Prophecy describes it perfectly: “The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin:”
“One wrong trait of character, one sinful desire cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. The prevalence of a sinful desire shows the delusion of the soul. Every indulgence of that desire strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 53.
Today, many wrong acts are cherished or excused! These excused actions bind us to Satan for eternal death. One must consider, Is it worth it? We are in a real spiritual warfare—this is dealing with our eternal life plan.
“The Christian life is a warfare. The apostle Paul speaks of wrestling against principalities and powers as he fought the good fight of faith. Again, he declares: ‘Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin’ (Hebrews 12:4). Ah, no. Today sin is cherished and excused. The sharp sword of the Spirit, the word of God, does not cut to the soul. Has religion changed? Has Satan’s enmity to God abated? A religious life once presented difficulties and demanded self-denial. All is made very easy now. And why is this? The professed people of God have compromised with the power of darkness.” Ibid., 222.
We are living in a very compromising world! You are okay and I am okay—do as you please as long as you do not step on me. Wow, the devil has really brainwashed many people—he truly is binding many into bundles! What must happen?
“There must be a revival of the strait testimony. The path to heaven is no smoother now than in the days of our Saviour. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our religious life must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed if it cause us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom and to receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child?” Ibid.
Are you ready to take a stand on the side of right—on the side of Jesus our Saviour? I know that I do not want to be in Satan’s bundle. I want to give up my “darling indulgences” now while there is still time to stand for my Saviour.
Remember: “The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful.” Ibid., 53.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Father: Help us to choose now the path that leads to the heavenly country. Give us the courage to give up those darling indulgences that please the devil but are so offensive to You. I choose to stand with Jesus and not with the great deceiver and his temporary, fatal pleasures. Remove the binding which Satan has placed upon me. I choose You this day. Amen.