The Devil’s main objective is to get as many Christians to stumble as he can. He does not like it when people obey the gospel, but he does not give up hope when one does. As long as he has the opportunity to turn that new convert back to the world, he will keep on trying. What we need to do, then, is clear. We must anchor ourselves in the Lord.
Jesus expounded unto His disciples how important it is to abide in Him (John 15:1-7). Paul admonished the brethren at Corinth to be steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). The Hebrews writer warned his listeners to run with patience the race that was set before them (Hebrews 12:1). The reason for these admonitions is the activeness of Satan in trying to get God’s children to become unfaithful. He is still at it. How can we prevent the Devil from being successful? How can we anchor ourselves so that we will not drift away from God by succumbing to the cunning craftiness of the old serpent? Here are a few suggestions:
Look towards Heaven
The Hebrews writer said that hope serves as an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19). We drift away from God when we become too materialistic. The reason for this is that we take our eyes off of that which is most important, that is, heaven. This world is just our temporary dwelling. Our affection should be on heaven (Colossians 3:1-3). Heaven will be our eternal dwelling place if we remain faithful to our Lord (Revelation 2:10). This hope must always be kept before us (Hebrews 6:18). Stop and think about what a wonderful place heaven will be. Reflect from time to time on the Bible passages that describe heaven to us. Keep this great hope in your mind. It will anchor you in Christ.
Remember Life Without Christ
Looking back is sometimes helpful. I do not think that we should spend a whole lot of time looking backward because it could impede our progress forward. Paul did not dwell on the mistakes he made in the past. Instead, he reached toward the goal before him (Philippians 3:13-14). An occasional glance backward, however, can help us realize how much we now have in Christ. Paul led the minds of the saints at Rome backward when he said, “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death” (Romans 6:20.21). Are you not much happier now that you are a Christian than you were when you were in the world? The answer should be yes for all of us. If we are not happier now, it is only because we do not reflect as often as we should on our many blessings . Just think about it. Before, you were a servant to sin; but now, you are free from sin. Previously, you were headed toward a place of eternal torment; but now, you are heading toward an eternal state of bliss. In the past, you were without hope and without God and Christ in your life; but now, you enjoy full fellowship with Deity everyday. Those are just a few things to remind us of how much better we have it now than before. Think about then, and think about now. It will help you to be steadfast in the Lord.
Study And Pray
God has arranged it so that we can stay in constant contact with Him. When things get tough, talk to God. He always likes to hear from you. He is never too busy to listen to your problems or to just hear you express yourself. Prayer is an arrangement made possible by God, Himself, to help us on this long journey of ours (Hebrews 4:16). And when you find things about life perplexing, perhaps even to the point where your faith is growing a little weak, listen to God. Search His Word. God’s Word is a “a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path” (Psalms 119:105). Remember, faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). So, study and pray. It, too, will anchor you in Christ and stop the Devil from having his way with you.