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In or Out?
August 17, 2001
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and
ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." 2 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)
Satan is a crafty fellow. He has a knack for using our weaknesses as avenues for sin. As Christians, though, we know that Satan is a fraud. We don't have to believe the lies he tells us about ourselves or other people.
My daughter, Kylie, has an animated video depicting the life of Christ. She's been watching it lately, and I usually end up catching bits and pieces as I'm working around the house. Recently I saw the part where Jesus is hanging on a cross between two criminals.
You know the rest of the story—one criminal asks for forgiveness, and Jesus gives him eternal life in heaven. But have you ever considered how extraordinary this is? Even though Jesus was in the most difficult and painful of circumstances, he was still reaching out to others in need. He was doing his Father's work.
Most of us have experienced hardships of varying degrees as we have walked with Jesus. Some have lost jobs. Others are going through a painful divorce. And still others are grieving over children who don't know the Lord.
What has your reaction been in those times of trouble? Have you become more or less like Jesus? In times of trial, it's often tempting to turn inward, to become so controlled by the challenge before us that we become islands unto ourselves.
I wonder what would happen if more of us turned outward when troubles hit. Satan wants to make us ineffective as Christ's ambassadors. Let's thwart his plans.
— Matt Donnelly, for the ChristianityToday.com staff
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