TARGETING PERSONS OF INFLUENCE

“What you say and do, because you are a leader, causes others to look less to themselves and more to you to set the pace and make the rules.

Does Satan prefer the company of persons of power and intellect? He also delights to entertain those who have a reputation for holiness. What works as well as a live bird to draw others into the net? Such is the craft of Satan-- and the frailty of the best among us-- that the holiest men have been his bait to snare others. That great patriarch Abraham tempted Sarah to lie: "Tell them you are my sister!" Genesis 12:13. The old prophet of Bethel led the man of God out of his way, the holiness of the prophet's life and the reverence of his age lending authority to his counsel 1 Kings 13:18.

Oh, how this should make you watchful if you are one whose long travel and great progress in the ways of God have gained you a name of eminence in the church! What you say and do, because you are a leader, causes others to look less to themselves and more to you to set the pace and make the rules.

Satan chooses persons able to influence those in power. If he can win family or friends to his side, he has easy access to the real object of his desire. Some think this is why he spared Job's wife-- so he could send by her own hands his cup of poison: "Curse God and die!" We know David would not have received from Nabal what he took from Abigail. Satan thought to send the apple to Adam by Eve's hand; he sent defeat to Samson by Delilah. And he used Peter, a disciple, to tempt Christ. Some martyrs have confessed that their hardest work was to overcome the prayers and tears of their friends and relatives. Paul himself expressed these same feelings when he said, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready, not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" Acts 21:13.”

I must add that the truth expressed above should cause each of us to pray consistently for those in authority in every area of life. It should also cause those in authority to seek our humility and to listen to those around us and to value them and show appreciation to them. When we do these things attention is taken away from and it helps everyone to keep things in proper perspective. Real Godly leaders are more concerned about the ones they are given charge over then themselves.

Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S. Bell http://www.moodypublishers.com/