Dale Ridge church of Christ

“Want of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong – these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history.” These are words spoken by Winston Churchill in a speech to the House of Commons in 1935. The Bible plainly warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Historically, the church of our Lord has always been the focus of the devil and his attacks. She will likewise continue to be under serious threat as long as time stands. Satan has assailed his ferocious attacks upon the beautiful bride of Christ by any means and forms (2 Cor. 11:2, 3). He works in the realm of error and deception (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Paul, though, reminds us that “we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). In other words, we can know when and how Satan works, and we should not ignore it. The old saying, “If it walks like a duck and acts like a duck, it very likely is a duck” readily comes to mind.

One such device that he employs today is in the realm of “change.” Granted, changes are not always bad. Some changes can be good and healthy when they are biblical. However, it must be recognized that there are those who are seeking to change the church of Christ into something that is more acceptable to the world. Those that seek this change are identified as “change agents.” Yet, they are subtle, and they work slowly and secretly, hoping to affect change. These changes may be small and seemingly harmless at first, but make no mistake; the ultimate end is complete change!

This threat does not yet exist at Dale Ridge. But let us be forewarned and forearmed. The Apostle Paul exhorts, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on April 30th, 2006