March 19

All this study of Satan's power may cause you some discouragement, but that is not my intention at all. These are valuable lessons, which will help you on your march toward heaven and fit you for the kingdom.

By studying Satan, we see that power is no basis for pride. Carnal pride is the illegitimate offspring of power. It is a lust conceived in the womb of Satan, and though your heart may swell at its birth, it will be to your spirit as Cain to Abel-- a deadly foe disguised as your next of kin.

Power is the rightful attribute of God alone. We mortals make a poor showing when we claim it as our own, and so does Satan. The devil, in fact, is the most miserable of all God's creatures, and all the more because he has so much power to misuse. Had he lost all his angelic prowess when he fell, he would have gained by his loss. Tremble, therefore, at any power you have unless you use it for God. A plague of locusts is no more destructive in a field of ripened wheat than prideful power is to a man's grace.

Are you powerful? How do you spend this gift from God? On His work, or on the satisfaction of your own lusts? Here is one of Satan's finest instruments of temptation. Power is a citizen of the world and is equal to the task Satan assigns. It dresses itself first in one fashion, then in another-- all designed to impress the rest of mankind. And most are so nearsighted, they are taken in by its false show. Sometimes power parades in the finest silks and jewels, pretending that wealth is the key to greatness. Or it dons the robes of a respected profession and disdains to speak to those of meaner occupations. Then it may dress in military regalia and demand the instant obedience of hundreds and thousands of men beneath its rank. Yet for all its show of strength, power is an iridescent bubble floating on the wind. God need only nod His omnipotent head, and it will disappear into nothing.

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