How Jesus and the Devil Are Alike, Part IV

This last point is perhaps the most potent and ominous of all the ways in which Jesus and the Devil are alike. They will both exercise dominion as permitted.

Although we don’t necessarily like to think of ourselves as “letting” Satan exercise dominion over us, when we are not wholly surrendered to God, this is what we are doing. There is no gray in this arena, you are either black or white. You are either letting Satan influence you or letting God. There is no “both.” There can only be one master, and you choose. Neither have an advantage over the other in influencing you to choose them; both will take the control you offer.

This issue of control is a powerful, long-reaching lust. Kings and kingdoms have fought and fallen over this power. Men have slaughtered all those who stood in their way. And the battle for the control of your heart and mind is no different. The forces of good and evil are clashing over you. Over YOU! And you control the tide of the battle. Your actions determine which spiritual force is winning by whom you are yielding to. Neither is stronger over you. The decision to do right or wrong is fought within your head, with you making the final call.

Satan will do everything to convince you that he is the one to yield utterly and completely. He plays on your flesh, making a single, ordinary thing seem like the most beautiful, most attractive ever. He gets us going and as long as we are not brought into check with reality, he’s won. If we ignore the pushing of the Holy Spirit, he’s won.

On the other hand, keeping back and always testing everything can keep you from falling into these traps. Be cautious, and on your guard against these schemes! Your enemy is the Devil, and he stalks through the shadows around you like a lion, roaring to frighten you, seeking a weak moment to pounce upon his prey. So be alert! Know you enemy. Know his tactics; it will help you in battle.

Both these will exercise whatever dominion you permit them to. If you don’t care, Satan will be quick to capitalize upon that. Someone has said that “no decision is still a decision.” The same is true here. Not making a choice is the same as allowing Satan to wholly influence your life. You are turning away from God which only leaves one option.

A life surrendered to God, however, is both a powerful testimony and a powerful weapon. God is able to move and accomplish His will. Take a look at these pillars of the Christian faith: Billy Graham, Gladys Aylward, Jim Elliot. They did not accomplish so much because they yielded to the Devil, or only partially to God. They laid down their all. And that is what Jesus calls us to do, too. He sees in each one of us a Billy Graham or Gladys Aylward. He longs for us to surrender so He may begin working. If we lay down our all, God comes in like a flood and moves!

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL

You are my strength when I am weak,
You are the treasure that I seek,
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord to give up I’d be a fool,
You are my all in all.

Chorus:
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame,
Rising again I bless Your name,
You are my all in all.
When I fall down You pick me up,
When I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my all in all.

Dennis Jernigan, 1991 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc.