Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:16-17
We’ve allowed Satan to sell us the lie that he is the author of everything that’s good (or at least fun). The reality is that God is the source of every good and perfect gift. In fact, Satan has taken the things God invented, twisted them, repackaged them and tried to get us to “buy” them. The problem is, the twist Satan adds causes them to bring death, not life.
Here’s what I mean:
God invented sex. In it’s best and most perfect form, it is found as God designed it – between a husband and wife in the unconditional love of marriage. Satan has repackaged it in innumerable ways, wrapped it in shinier packaging and convinced us that it is better his way. The result is tragic. Trust is broken; guilt and shame enter. Hearts are devastated. It only gets worse - sexually transmitted disease, prostitution, sex slavery, child pornography, sexual addiction, homosexuality, divorce, adultery, rape, abortion, and the list goes on. Think about how this list would change if we simply followed God’s directions for His invention for our joy.
God invented alcohol. Psalm 104: 1, 14-15 says, “Praise the Lord, O my soul. . . He makes . . . wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.” However, God also says that it is to be used in moderation and not to the point of drunkenness. Satan tells us that if a little is good, a lot is better. As a result, we see the consequences – bad decisions, addiction, broken homes, physical abuse, verbal abuse, destroyed lives, lost jobs, etc.
God invented money. Work. Music. If it’s good, God invented it. The question is, are you buying the perfect version or the poisoned version?
God offers life, but it comes in surrendering to His way. My prayer for you is that you (and I) will choose life.
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