The Pearl, Part VI

I own great riches. I own what will one day be the most coveted of all possessions. Eternal life through Christ Jesus. It may not seem like a big deal now but it is the greatest of all gifts and possessions. There is nothing in this life or the next that can compare to it. Satan's job is to take our eyes off the gift. To wallow the expectation and joy of the gift in the mire of the world and it's cares. His job is to take our eyes off Christ and strip us of our joy and faith. Once he has done this, we fall into his hands and are subject to his devices.

He indeed has no power over us, only the power we give him. He was defeated 2,000 years ago but he doesn't want you to concentrate on that. The law is also powerless against us and we are free from the law and the requirements and curse of the law through Jesus. However, Satan uses the law to try to get us to sin against it and eventually use that to undermine our faith (which is his true motive). For obeying the law is not righteousness but faith in Jesus Christ. It is key that we understand our enemy and his schemes. Doubt, unbelief, despair, hopelessness, and fear are all weapons that he uses against us to take our faith.

We must stay focused on the pearl of great price which is the gift of righteousness and mercy through Jesus and the cross. Everyday is a new day to be mindful of His Kingship and to be aware of the fantastic gift that he gives to us freely. This is the basis for our joy and worship. Once we have lost this joy, Satan and the world will try desperately to strip you of the rest. It is easier not to fight. It is easier to just lay down the sword and shield and give in. It is more convenient to retreat. Yet, we must fight for our right to be called children of the most high God.

^{Ephesians 6:10-12}

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.