It Doesn’t Worry the Devil

[297 words]

The Apostle Peter warned us saying, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The metaphor places in our minds an image of an ever-pursuing enemy who is constantly on the lookout for the weak, the lonely, or spiritually sick. But have we ever thought that there may be times when Satan just sits back and watches us going about our busy lives? Please note that it doesn’t worry the Devil:

• When Christians take a weekend getaway and skip Sunday worship.
• When Christians miss worship to go fishing on Sunday because the forecast said the fish were biting best.
• When Christians miss worship because it’s the first week of hunting season. 
• When Christian parents allow their kids to play video games during worship. 
• When Christians can attend a 3-hour sporting event but can barely sit through an hour of worship.
• When Christians don’t consider Sunday and Wednesday church services important enough to attend.
• When Christians watch programs that contain foul language including using the “F” bomb every 15 seconds.
• When Christians can’t put down the latest best-selling novel but can’t find the time to read the Bible daily.
• When Christians visit a porn site and he certainly doesn’t mind if they spend money to use certain features. Money that could be given to the Lord.
• When Christians stay up late on Saturday and are late to church on Sunday. 
• When Christians sing along with every word to the latest hit song on the radio but don’t sing in worship.
• When Christians love the things of the world more than the things of God.

You see, it doesn’t worry the devil when Christians practice sinful behavior. It’s just less work for him.

Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ 
Maud, TX