Resistance

James 4:7
I have always enjoyed a good game of chess. Unfortunately, my style of playing has never resembled a good game of chess. As a result, I often end up being the proverbial notch in my opponent's belt. At times the game ends so quickly, the only thing I hear from the other player is "good luck," swiftly followed by "Check Mate!" In a desperate attempt to elevate my skill level from just below inept to somewhere above laughable, I have read a number of books on chess and chess strategy. I play chess on my computer; visit chess web pages; and have even attempted to memorize opening and end game patterns. And while my game still lacks the finer proficiencies of a six year old novice, I have learned a thing or two about overcoming my opposition. Most important of which, victory is awarded to those with the greatest understanding of, and the ability to manipulate, the imbalances created between pieces. In other words, the first one to exploit his opponent's weakness wins. Satan has been playing this game with mankind from the beginning. He is quite adept at not only identifying, but creating imbalances that drastically influence our life. So much so that he appears to have an unlimited amount of power. However, the truth of the matter is that his power only seems to be formidable because it draws on the worldly desires that battle within us. He identifies and manipulates the lusts of our sinful nature. We see, therefore we want; we want therefore we take; and when we are not able to take that which we see and want, we battle; we create an imbalance within us that Satan is quick to take advantage of. Why then is it that when we find ourselves engaged in these fleshly conflicts we claim, "The devil has a hold on me." Or, "the devil is trying to bring me down… he's attacking me." And why is it when we surrender to the temptation we cry, "The devil made me do it." What we should be saying is, "I accepted his invitation." This is why I say the devil only has the strength of two people, his and ours; for he alone could not bring us to sin if it were not for our willing nature to do so. Though not often distinguished, there is a vast difference between that which influences us and that which forces us. The devil neither has the authority or power to force us to do anything. If he did there would be no salvation, for everyone would be forced to deny Christ. On the contrary, the devil can only influence our behavior. Our battle, therefore, is not with the devil; rather, our battle is with ourselves. We like what the devil is offering; the desires of the flesh and the lusts of our eyes; and instead of resisting him, we accept him. Now, here is another imbalance worthy of notice. Simply, Satan is powerless to those who refuse to accept his invitations. Thus, we read, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7)." That is it. Resistance creates an imbalance from which the devil cannot recover. It does not take years of tactical training, or an in-depth understanding of opening and end-game patterns. All we need to do is resist him. The game is already in our favor; don't give him the lead by surrendering to the temptation. Regrettably, until Christ returns to redeem us from these limitations, this frailty of the flesh, these imbalances will always be vulnerable to attack. However, victory will be ours so long as we rely on our greatest strength and his greatest weakness, resistance. [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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