We refer not to black jackets and motorcycle gangs, but to those who assist the devil in his nefarious schemes. Far too many fork serve Satan, whether they intend to, or not. To work with the prince of darkness is a poor choice of life-style and will result in a motley crew of associates. When we oppose godliness and holy conduct, we surround ourselves with evil companions who corrupt good morals(1 Cor. 15:33). Truly, if we run with the goats, we will smell like them! There is a vast chasm between light and darkness, and when we try to mesh these two we do greatly err. "Who is among you that fears Jehovah, that obeys the voice of his servant? He that walks in darkness and hath no light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah and rely upon his God" (Isa. 50:10)
Indeed, we cannot serve successfully while we are straddling the fence: "No man can serve two masters....He that is not with me is against me and he that gathers not with me scatters" (Matthew 6:24; 12:30) Someone has wisely stated, "It is easier to fight for our principles then to live up to them". Instead of helping Satan through compromise, we desperately need to bring conviction and loyalty into our stand for truth. Division in the ranks of the soldiers of Christ causes the devil and his advocates to rejoice. Jesus clearly stated, "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand" (Mark 3:24-25)
Unity and singularity of purpose can be one of the best assets in our fight against the enemy of our souls. When we strive ardently to keep "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"(Eph.4:3) then the demons in hell tremble (James 2:19). Let us look at some of the "Servants of Satan."
1. Parents who want their children to be popular - rather than pure.
2. Christians with poor business ethics.
3. Preachers who lack courage to preach the truth.
4. Children who are unkind to godly parents.
5. Educated fools who mock God and the Bible.
6. Media leaders who corrupt young minds.
7. Governments that encourage abortion, homosexual behavior and licentious conduct.
8. Vulgar and obscene music.
9. Pessimistic Christians who constantly complain.
The apostle Paul made it clear that the devices of Satan tend to seduce us and gain an advantage for the side of evil: "That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11) Men like Belshazzar, Balaam and Pilate represent such infamy. Women like Jezebel and Sapphira aid and abet the cause of the devil. Elymas withstood the gospel and David caused the opponents of godliness to blaspheme (Acts 13: 2 Sam. 12). Millions live and die in the service of hellishness and such desire to undermine all that is high and holy.
Those of us who love the Lord and His glorious cause must stand together in the beauty of Christianity and never waver in our pursuit of the abundant life of children of God. Pessimism must never be allowed, even though we are grossly outnumbered. Someone has glibly observed the following: "My inferiority complex is not as good as yours!"
Servants of God optimistically stand with the apostle Paul, who confidently wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13). He didn't depend on his own strength, but the Lord's. Hell's angels cannot ultimately win in the struggle of life, death and eternity. To be a friend of God overwhelms and overcomes everything that Satan holds dear or tries to accomplish in our lives: "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God" (James 2:23). An old gospel song forms a fitting closure for these remarks:
The fight is on, O Christian soldier,
And face to face in stern array,
With armor gleaming and colors streaming,
The right and wrong engage today.
The fight is on, but be not weary,
Be strong and in His might hold fast;
If God be for us, His banner o'er us.
We'll sing the victor's song at last!
Hell's angels - the servants of Satan - just do not stand a chance.
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