1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Subtleness is the modus operandi of Satan. He used it against Eve in the garden and he uses it yet still today. I would like to point out that people who write and act in ads are not Satan nor Satan’s tools. We over re-act if we blame people for Satan’s work.

You and I are responsible for the conditions of our hearts. If we look at an ad that shows beautiful people buying expensive cars, homes, jewelry, or vacations and in our hearts we covet it is not the ads fault, covetousness was there before the ad was viewed.

But as for the subtlety of the enemy, there is such a fine line between need and desire. God understands need. God provide for needs but we inch over that line between need and desire to the point that sound judgment and faithful stewardship soon take a back seat to lust of the eye, which is covetousness. It does not come suddenly like salvation, it is slow and insidious.

Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The tools available to us to avoid those subtle temptations are thoughts of the heart that seek God’s good gifts rather than “things of the world.”

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Acts 16:31b Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved

I was thinking on this again these weekend as discussions flowed about believing God and taking a stand for our beliefs. This issue was in the lies of false religions. A good conversation but one that lacked one singularly important aspect.

I believe in God does not equal saving faith. Nor does I believe in Jesus Christ equal salvation. It is so easy to stand on those words and quote scripture but the whole truth is hidden from many this weekend that said these words. They neglected to confess Jesus as Lord.

So many have passed over the enmity between man and God.

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

That was us before we ended the rebellion by surrendering to His Lordship. No surrender, no salvation.

It is a tough sell to walk someone back thru their belief system to check that point of entry into salvation. They believe that they are saved, and maybe they are, but do they honestly remember that moment when they repented of sin and surrendered to Christ’s Lordship?

The offer is free, yes absolutely, but you have to take the offer of salvation from He who is Lord and at the demands of servitude. He is Lord, we are His servants and as such have not right to deny Him. Now for many that singular point does not set well because, “I’ve been set free.” Yes but only to the bondage to sin. Now you are indebted to my Lord.

Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

Do you remember your surrender moment?