I think we can see clearly the evil influence that has so distorted our world. We have freewill, and we often use that freedom to make terrible choices, affecting ourselves and those around us. Sometimes, people will make bad decisions and then place the blame elsewhere. Have you ever heard someone that has done a terrible thing say “The devil made me do it!”?
Indeed, contrary to what many people seem to believe, Satan is real and has a lot of power on this earth. But don’t mistake it: Satan does not have unlimited power – he has clear and specific boundaries!
The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:12)
Notice here that Satan can only do what God allows. He petitioned God to let him do terrible things to Job, and God allowed it…to a point. There was a line that could not be crossed, and there was nothing Satan could do about it!
So then, if Satan is bound, yet love is boundless, how is it we sin? It isn’t Satan making us sin, it is something within ourselves. While the evil intent of the devil and his henchmen may put a picture, person, or sign in front of us, it’s what we then do internally with it that makes the difference. We can recognize temptation and turn it over to God, calling out for Him to keep us from sin, or we can take the temptation, turn it over and over in our minds, until what started as a small outside disturbance moves inside and eventually shows itself in our sinful actions.
God is faithful to forgive us, but we need to recognize there are clear boundaries that are being protected at all times, and not blame outside forces for our inside struggles. And remember this: God promises we will never have more than we can handle.
God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13b)
The gifts of Love and good works are free to roam – they have no bounds. Evil, on the other hand, has limits set by our God - and when God sets a border patrol, evil shall not pass!
#LoveMatters