We Must Protect His Name

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6:10-13
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8

I often think of how awesome God is to prepare us for warfare against the enemy  by telling us in His Word about the devil's craftiness.  That he could even persuade us to see one another as foes rather than family is always a mystery.  But somehow, he is able to capitalize on our tendency to see the negative in each other, which makes it easy for us to believe the worst about one another. 

Today's passage clearly tells us that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities (demons in high ranks), powers and rulers of darkness that are skilled at analyzing and predicting human behavior.  Why?  Because they've been around ever since we were created.  They're experts at suggesting ideas to us that we would be tempted to agree with.  Because of sin, we are by nature suspicious of one another, distrusting of each other's motives and unwilling to look for the best no matter how hard it may be.

That's precisely why God gives us instructions to think only on these things: things that are true, noble, pure, praiseworthy, and of good report.  Our Father knows how easy it would be for us to think the opposite, and so He tries to get us to discipline our minds.  When you really think about it, if we just spent a little time remembering how anxious we are for others to see the best in us, we would be less hasty to jump to conclusions by simply putting ourselves in their place.      

As we move towards this place of blessing, healing, and glory promised by God for our obedience, give the enemy a run for his money by responding in the exact opposite of the way he would suggest you respond.  When the opportunity arises to become offended because of what someone in our church family says or does, cast down the very thought of it.  God has given us the grace and power to choose not to focus on anything that would create negative feelings among His children.  Most of all, remember that when we walk in strife with one another, it's God's name that is dishonored; He's the One Who looks bad, because we make everything His Word says is possible untrue.  Let's protect our Father's Name at all cost.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for reminding us that our ultimate purpose in life is to please You.  You've called us to love unconditionally -- not because others will think the best of us, but because it brings fame and glory to Your Name.  May we never forget that we are not our own, and we belong to You.  For Your glory, we will do anything... just so that all will see and know that You are God.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.