Today’s Reading 1 Chronicles 18-21
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:1 “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel.”
Success and God’s blessings can make us lose sight of the most important realities. Here we see that David is having much success in battle. Things are going well. However, instead of trusting in the Lord he begins to trust in what he can see and what will give him comfort.
This verse tells us that Satan was unhappy and incited David to count the people. It might seem insignificant to us but David did this not to glorify God but to glory in his accomplishments. It also reveals that a person following God can be influenced to make poor choices by our enemy. Satan saw a kink in David and exploited it for his purposes.
As believers we must know that the enemy is always looking for ways to get us off mission. He will often use situations or events that seem innocent and small expose sin in our hearts. And when that sin is exposed it will reveal issues in us that have to be addressed.
I have realized over the years one of the greatest ways Satan attacks is using believers to act in ungodly ways. This often happens in how professing Christian’s talk to other people, talk about other people, or involve themselves with gossip. People usually talk down to others because they have a pride issue.
They believe they are right and everyone else is wrong. They don’t like different. They assume that explanations are always excuses. They listen to one side of a conversation and spread untruths.
When this happens Satan wins because he destroys relationships. He causes division and stirs up drama. Then gossip ensues.
The point is that Satan will use any means necessary to cause problems. His main tactic amongst believers is for them to have an inflated sense of self. Remember we are to be submitted to Christ. We are never to think we are in charge.
Where does the enemy see opportunities in you to cause dissension?
Tomorrow I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 22-24
