The Competing Calls: A Choice Between Christ and the Devil
In today’s world, a cacophony of voices clamors for our attention, each vying to shape our decisions and chart the course of our lives. We are bombarded with calls from friends, enemies, those offering encouragement or discouragement, those seeking prayer or sharing God’s word, those bearing good news or bad. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are constantly confronted with a critical decision: whose call will we answer? Will we heed the call of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, or succumb to the seductive whispers of the devil, our adversary and deceiver? This choice, seemingly simple, carries profound eternal consequences, shaping not only our present but also our future. Every interaction, every communication, ultimately originates from one of these two sources, and our response holds immense significance.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, extends a loving invitation to each of us, beckoning us to follow Him, walk in His footsteps, and align our lives with His divine will. This call is born of compassion, a deep yearning for us to experience the abundant life He promised. He calls us to repentance, a turning away from sin and towards righteousness. He calls us to transformation, a reshaping of our hearts and minds to reflect His image. He calls us to discipleship, a commitment to learning from Him and growing in His likeness. He calls us to obedience, a surrender of our will to His perfect plan. He calls us to service, a dedication to using our gifts and talents to bless others. He calls us to sacrifice, a willingness to lay down our own desires for the sake of His Kingdom. This year, let us consciously choose to answer Jesus’ call, declining the insidious whispers of the devil. Let us shed our old lives, our sinful habits, and our self-centered desires, embracing a new life in Christ. Let us be mindful of the time we spend engaging with others, reflecting on the nature of our interactions. Are we communicating through the lens of Christ or the devil? Are our words carrying messages of hope and truth, or are they laced with negativity and deceit? What impact will our communication have on the recipient?
In stark contrast to Christ’s loving invitation, the devil, our adversary, extends a call rooted in deception, manipulation, and a relentless pursuit of our destruction. He seeks to sever our relationship with God and lead us down a path of ruin. The devil’s call is a siren song, luring us towards rebellion and disobedience. He tempts us to indulge in sin, enticing us with promises of fleeting pleasure and worldly gain. He fosters within us pride and self-centeredness, blinding us to the needs of others and the true source of joy. He encourages us to reject God’s authority, to disregard His commands, and to prioritize our selfish desires above all else. He ensnares us in addictive and destructive behaviors, leading us further and further away from God. He whispers lies, distorting our perception of reality and sowing seeds of doubt. The devil’s ultimate goal is our spiritual death, a complete separation from the love and grace of God.
As we navigate the journey of life, we must remain vigilant, recognizing that we face a daily choice between these two competing calls. Every day, we stand at a crossroads, and the path we choose has profound implications. When we answer the devil’s call, we embark on a treacherous path of destruction, chaos, and spiritual death. We reap the bitter consequences of sin, experiencing the gnawing pain of regret and the despair of separation from God. Conversely, when we answer Jesus’ call, we embark on a transformative journey of growth and discipleship. We discover the immeasurable joy of salvation, the profound peace of forgiveness, and the unwavering hope of eternal life.
This is a divine warning, delivered through the authority and power of Christ Jesus: we must choose wisely. The choice before us is stark and undeniable. Will we heed the call of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, or will we succumb to the deceptive allure of the devil? Let us reflect on the words of Jesus: "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25). This seemingly paradoxical statement holds the key to true fulfillment. By surrendering our lives to Christ, by relinquishing our selfish desires and embracing His will, we find true life, abundant life, eternal life.
Let us pray for discernment, that we may distinguish between the voice of Jesus and the deceitful whispers of the devil. Let us pray for courage, that we may boldly answer Jesus’ call, following Him without reservation. Let us pray for strength, that we may resist the temptations of the devil and remain steadfast in our faith. May we experience the boundless joy of salvation, the deep peace of forgiveness, and the unwavering hope of eternal life, all through the grace and love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
