Satan Works Overtime
By Jarrod Jacobs

The Scriptures describe Satan as being active. In Job’s day, we see Satan “going to and fro on the earth, and walking up and down on it” (Job 1:7, 2:2). Satan was walking all over the earth looking for a righteous man. In the New Testament, Peter warned, “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). In nature, a lioness will creep and wait patiently for her time to strike and kill her prey. In hunting, she is active and has a goal in mind–food for herself and her cubs. Notice, Satan is also described as being as active as that hungry, hunting lion! Jesus said that Satan was a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies (John 8:44). He is the author of lies and murder, and his actions continue to this day.

Notice the terminology used in reference to Satan. Satan is not sitting somewhere on a beach relaxing. We do not get the impression that Satan gets up some mornings and says, “Today, I will take the morning off.” Look at this world. Satan has his hand in the TV stations, in the newspaper, in magazines, in radios. He is in our schools, our military, our government, and in our homes. No, friends, Satan does not rest! Satan works overtime!

Satan Works Overtime In Families

Observe the character and content of most families, and we will see Satan’s work. Divorce, abuse, (verbal, physical, etc.), ungodly behavior, being lax in training the children, hypocritical behavior, and many other things are present in families due to Satan’s influence. Remember, as goes the home, so goes the nation. Therefore, we find Satan working “overtime” in the home, and especially in the homes of Christians, to try and lure them away from God and His will so as to have an impact on the home, and by extension, the church and government.

Satan Works Overtime In Government

When laws of men are enacted which encourage and sanction sin (e.g.: gambling/lotteries, legalized alcohol, abortion of babies, homosexuality, etc.), you can rest assured that Satan has been working overtime among government’s leaders! He has been working among the nations of men ever since government began. Consider the wicked kings God names among the Jews and the Gentiles in the Old Testament! Then, look into the New Testament and be reminded of the sins of Herod the Great, Agrippa I and II, Caesar, etc. In studying these leaders, we find such sins as pride, lying, stealing, murder, homosexuality, etc. were committed. When we look at government leaders today, we find many of them falling into the same trap! These facts all bear record to the fact that Satan has been at work in the government!

Satan Works Overtime Among Individuals

The book of 1 John lets us know that men are tempted with the lusts of the flesh and eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). Truly, Satan walks around as a lion looking for his next meal (1 Pet. 5:8)! Satan has not stopped yet, but continues to look for the “weak,” “sickly,” and those who are just unaware of their surroundings. When we see folks caught up in alcoholism, abusive behavior with others, lying, stealing, pornography, being unfaithful to God, ignorant of His word, not praying, not living as we should in Christ, etc., we are seeing the evidence of a people who are victims of Satan. Yes, Satan works overtime!

My observation is that many Christians are lax in their attitude toward Satan and his work. For this, we can also thank Satan. He wants folks to be unimpressed with him, and make light of his tactics. If folks think Satan is a myth, or a joke, he is happy with this, for he knows those who will not take him seriously, will not take the salvation of their souls seriously, either (contrast Jesus’s teaching: Matt. 16:26). Solomon wrote, “Fools mock at sin” (Prov. 14:9). How Satan loves those “fools”! He wants even more people to be foolish, and works “overtime” to make this happen!

Conclusion

Can we fight against Satan? Absolutely! He is powerful, but Christ has given us the weapons and armor for fighting Satan (Eph. 6:10-17; Rom. 13:12, 14; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). Now we must use them!! Perhaps we forgot that we are at war with Satan. Let us awake from sleep and be busy fighting temptation, as well as living a faithful life (1 Cor. 15:58). Look to God (not self) for strength (Phil. 4:13). Exercise your senses (Heb. 5:14). We can win! 

 Be Careful With Your Words
By Greg Gwin

Solomon wrote, “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). Many need to work harder at applying this instruction.

There are really two warnings here. One caution concerns words that are hastily spoken: “Do not be rash with your mouth.” How often have we uttered words without giving careful thought? The results can be hurt feelings, damaged relationships, even sin. James said, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak . . .” Remember that a word spoken can never be un-spoken. It’s an irreversible action, and we may have to live with the re-action!

The other warning contained in this statement from wise Solomon is a warning about simply talking too much. “Let your words be few”, he says. What a temptation it is to tell everything we know, about every subject under the sun. When we do so, we cause others to “tune us out”, even during the rare occasions when we really do have something important to say. Someone has suggested that God gave us two ears and just one mouth – therefore we ought to listen twice as much as we talk. Think about it!

Ecclesiastes 5:2 goes on to explain why we must be so cautious with our speech. “God is in heaven and you on earth.” Never forget that you have an almighty Creator who is listening to your every word. Be careful (Matt. 12:36, 37).