Bible Reading: Job 32; James 4: 1-8.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (KJV).
As a child, I longed to become an adult so that I would not be subject to the adults that were always directing me on what to do. I felt when I become an adult, I would be able to decide freely what I wanted and would exercise authority over others. Then I never thought of the implications of that authority. I did not consider the consequence of having the authority. But now I know better as every authority has attached responsibilities. Thus, while I was under the authority of the elders, they had responsibility for my actions. But the moment I took over the authority, the responsibility shifted to me.
Also I realize now that everyone has an authority over him/her whether apparent or not. Only God is the exception. The question then is who should I be submissive to, the Ultimate power or a subordinate power, given that I have the freedom to choose? Besides the fact that God has the ultimate power, there are other characteristics that distinguish Him from others. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). So Submitting to him means, I will not miss my way, I will know the truth and will have life. Also, submitting to the Lord Jesus means I will not only have life but will have it abundantly, while following Satan means submitting to robbery, destruction and death. John 10:10 (KJV) says: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
So you need to submit to God and resist the devil. This is clearly stated in James 4:7 (KJV): “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Submitting to God means obeying God at all times. As you obey him and refuse to do things contrary to his will, you will be resisting the devil as God will protect you. Exodus 23:22 (KJV) puts it this way: “But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.”
However, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you need to do so as the first step to total submission to God. Thereafter, ensure you read the bible regularly to know the will of God that you are to obey.
Prayer point: Father, I submit myself to you and ask that you teach and direct me the way to go at all times in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero