The Call To Overcome: The Perp's Old Products

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

The perp may have constructed a new net, but he's marketing the same old products: FILLERS, FLUFF, and FAME. Modern media moves us to want them in a no-hold's-barred advertising blitz. 

Sadly, most of us are willing victims. We stand in line to deaden our senses, and to realign our values with his.

We cover up our ears with his speakers. We glue our eyes to his ads, shows, and sites.

  • If 'Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God' (Romans 10:17), If 'The lamp of the body is the eye' (Matthew 6:22),

  • Are we (by the devil, the deceiver), ignorantly growing blind, deaf, and dumb?

Consider the perp's top-selling products:

  • FILLERS (food, intoxicants, or massive screen time): distractions from loneliness and despair. They satisfy us for a little while. But in a flash, we're riding on empty. So we keep filling, again and again. Soon, we're LIVING at a filling station. Is that what we want?

  • FLUFF (fun or showy stuff we like, but don’t need): attractive stuff and amusing gadgets. They make us feel 'good' for a little while. But in a flash, the “show and tell” thrill fades. So we buy more stuff, again and again, Soon, we're LIVING in a crowded junkyard. Is that what we want?

  • FAME (worldly celebrity with lots of perks): significance and popularity. They make us feel 'good' for a little while. But fans are fickle. If they left Jesus, most will leave us, too. Soon, we realize we’re only idols: scared little kids, seeking validation. Is that who we are?

  • FAME (church celebrity has lots of perks, too): books, TV shows, and massive Christian clout.  Christian approval lifts and pampers us. But steeples of success are dangerous, Soon, we realize we’re only idols: pumped-up pontiffs, seeking validation. Is that who we are?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Don't buy into the perp's age-old products, and DO remember:

  1. The true FILLER is God, Himself.

  2. Men’s inventions are FLUFF. They blow away. 

  3. Worldly FAME (without self-humbling) brings harm.

  4. Church FAME should be shunned. Avoid its trappings.

'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21).

The Call To Overcome: The Perp’s Old Products (Part 4)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban