Isn't it amazing how Satan can fill our minds with thoughts of both worthlessness and pride? In some instances, he comes to us and whispers how good we are and that we don't need to depend on anyone but ourselves, especially not God. He fills our minds with powerful thoughts of pride, fame and self-sufficiency, similar to the way he dealt with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He tells us that we're fine on our own, and sadly, many times we believe him.
On the other hand, he is the same source of worthlessness that we often feel. He is the one who comes to us and tells us that no one cares. He convinces us that we're all alone and the reason for that loneliness is because we're simply unlovable. He parades our faults and failures before us as a reminder of how lowly we truly are. He persuades us that God, no matter how loving, could not possibly love us after all that we've done. According to him, we're on our own.
Well, which is it? It can't be both ways. We can't be too good and too bad at the same time. We must recognize this ploy for what it is--lies from the father of all lies. Think about it, what could be better for Satan than a proud or discouraged Christian? It's an attack. Nothing more. Nothing less. The question is are we ready for it. When he comes knocking on our door, are we too distracted to notice the subtle darts he's firing at us?
No, we're not perfect, but we don't need to be. Christ has paid for all our sins, and it is only through His blood that we can be cleansed of those sins. That being said, it is also important to remember that there is nothing we could ever do to make God love us any more or any less. His love is perfect, and we are never separated from it.
Whatever lies Satan throws at you today, throw them back and say, "I am loved."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39
This is an area where I struggle...truly believing that He really loves me. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI think we all struggle in that area from time to time, Phyllis. We see ourselves as sinful creatures, unworthy of love from a Holy God. Sometimes we forget that God sees us through the blood of Jesus.
ReplyDelete