Here are five cautions by alliteration about Christian lifestyles which allow Satan to accomplish his goals.
A casual Christian
Am I a casual Christian, ambling nonchalantly through life, leaving out spiritual duties, and heedless to the spiritual war, as though there were no devil, no demons, and no enemy? The casual Christian will certainly fall into sin and hypocrisy.
A confident Christian
What if I am a confident Christian? I have been, possibly, a believer many years, and although I see other Christians falling into trouble here and there, I am sure I will never stumble. I am self-confident, and quick to denounce those who do slip. Confident Christians have no realistic view of the forces against them, nor of their need of vigilance and prayer. They easily become carnal Christians.
A cold Christian
Am I a cold Christian? I know the Truth and I am concerned about enemy action against my soul, but I am not currently walking in the love of the Lord, earnestly seeking him, thankfully rejoicing in him, and zealously serving him. In the case of cold Christians, Satan usually comes with some alternative earthly aspiration or goal to warm their hearts and prise them away from Christ.
A comfortable Christian
Am I a comfortable Christian, content with a very moderate level of godliness and activity for the Gospel? I am at ease, and dislike the strain of fervour. I have practically all that I need or want (like the people of the church at Laodicea), and I don’t like the idea of a battle with Satan, a spiritual warfare. Comfortable Christians are moved effortlessly by Satan into a meaningless life, with no great fruit for Christ, and increasing indifference. Satan generally leaves them with their rosy self-satisfaction, so that alarm bells do not ring in their heart.
A chaotic Christian
Am I, perhaps, a chaotic Christian? Do I carry out my personal devotions at all sorts of different times, never having any system, or order, or habit, or fear of being disorganised? It probably does not matter spiritually what a person’s desk looks like, or the tidiness of the kitchen, but it does matter if the spiritual life is chaotic. If it is never tidy, and never disciplined, then the devil will bring, first, neglect of spiritual duties, then defeat and shame. Beware of becoming a chaotic Christian.
The casual saunter into sin,
The confident risk foes unseen,
Soon coldness looks to other goals,
While comfort takes the easiest roles,
And chaos, lacking plan or aim,
Neglects the Lord, and beckons shame.
—
Take my soul and body’s powers;
Take my memory, mind, and will,
All my goods, and all my hours,
All I know, and all I feel,
All I think, or speak, or do;
Take my heart, but make it new.
Charles Wesley
Related Content
Sermons
- Correcting Spiritual Coldness — Peter Masters. Why do believers lose their love, joy and fervour? Here are the dangers of spiritual coldness and the biblical helps for recovering a wholehearted walk with God.
- The Armour and its Order — Peter Masters. How does each part of the armour of God protect us? Discover the Lord’s provision for resisting Satan and growing in holiness and fruitfulness.
- Recovery from Spiritual Decline: The Obligated Life — Peter Masters. Lessons from Nehemiah on renewing our commitment to God, with practical duties that give purpose and direction to the Christian life.
Articles
- The Holy War – Do We Dodge Enlistment? — Peter Masters. Can Christians avoid the spiritual battle? See how Satan exploits neglected devotions, worldly desires and reluctance to serve—and why every believer must be watchful.
- A Spiritual Growth Check — Peter Masters. Are we growing in grace as well as knowledge? Five searching tests examine our dependence on God, progress in holiness, prayer and service.
- Remedies for Problems in Prayer — Peter Masters. Coldness, wandering thoughts and mechanical repetition can trouble our prayers. Here is practical biblical counsel to help us persevere and recover earnest communion with God.
Resources
- The Personal Spiritual Life — Peter Masters. How may we grow in holiness, sustain spiritual joy and become more useful to the Lord? Practical encouragement for a life of wholehearted commitment.
- Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices — Thomas Brooks. A Puritan classic exposing Satan’s subtle temptations and showing believers how to recognise his schemes and resist them with biblical remedies.