He Doesn't Come With A Crow Bar

but Satan hindereth us 1st. Thess. 2:18

When we built our house we considered a number of options as to where to put the house. We landed on the building site 750 Ft. into the woods. So I bought a chainsaw and proceeded to clear the woods. 100 trees later we have a beautiful winding road with a cottage effect. But since the driveway is so long I have not blacktopped it yet due to costs.

Every time we get the hard rains I see a definite erosion of the class five I laid down for the foundation. The marked change is a subtly to the eye but in time it becomes an obvious irritation.

In comparison our Spiritual erosion is just as subtle. Satan doesn't come with a crow bar. He disguises himself in a bottle. a pill or thrill that pull us away from Christ. He insinuates doubt or misuses scripture.

He is constantly at our side trying to undo God's work. His ultimate goal is to make us turn away from God. It happens and sometimes it is a slow equation. It is nothing to miss a day or two of church. We are not of the law anymore. But Satan does his best work when we are isolated from other believers.

His persistence is as relentless as a gnat. Before you know it we make choices and follow voices that are not right for us. I saw this in my divorce when well meaning people gave advice which was far from scriptural. Subtle decisions placed my wife in prison and Satan held the key.

Falling back and falling away does not happen in an instant. It happens when we accept attitudes that once were an offense. It occurs when we depart from the truth.

But if we hold ourselves fervently to Christ. If we guard our heart as if it was our life Spiritual erosion can be overcome.

Be careful what you water
because seeds begin to grow.
The mind will form a pattern.
A reflection of what you sow.

Each action paints a picture
for all the world to see.
The message from our heart
hidden deep inside of me.

May I be softened
by His presence.
May my joy
be real and true.

May God
come marching forward
in everything
that I do.

Brad McGill
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