March 12

Whose law do you obey? The laws of the prince of darkness and the Prince of peace are as contrary as their natures-- one a law of sin (Romans 8:2), and the other a law of holiness (Romans 7:12). Unless sin has already blinded you so that you can no longer discern between the holy and the profane, you should have no problem resolving this issue.

When Satan comes to tempt you, observe your behavior. How do you respond to his enticements? Do you stand fast on the ordinances of God and refuse to be swayed? Or does your soul embrace the temptation as a bosom friend, glad for an excuse to entertain it? If so, you are under the power of Satan! In the words of Paul, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves to obey, his servants are ye?" (Romans 6:16).

Where do you go for protection? Who has your confidence? A good prince is eager to protect his subjects. He expects them to trust him with their safety. Obedient subjects therefore commit state matters to the wisdom of their prince and his council. When wronged, they appeal for justice; when guilty, they submit to the penalty of the law and bear their proper punishment.

Do you trust the wisdom of God to deal justly with you? An impenitent man is afraid to trust himself to God's care. He knows what a thorough housecleaning his soul needs, but he likes the filth and wants to keep it. So he locks the doors and windows to all that is pure and righteous, and spreads a lusty feast for his own sinful nature to devour in private. Now the same fear that drives the wicked man away from God, encourages the gracious one to throw open his heart to the Spirit's knock. He welcomes the prospect of a cleansed soul and understands that the purging God sends is to get rid of carnal refuse and make room for added blessings.

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