Since the Beginning

The devil is referred to in Scripture as the Father of lies (John 8:44). Since the beginning of time that is what he speaks because that is his nature.

Genesis 3:4 shows Eve being told by the serpent that God doesn't want her to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because if she does, she will become like God.

That desire is truly the root of all our sin...to be like God. We desperately want to be in control and call the shots. Somehow if we are in control we think life will go better and our lives will be more fulfilling. That has been Satan's #1 from the beginning.

That is why Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 that if anyone wants to follow me they must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 16:25 that whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Following Jesus Christ is such a paradox. On the one hand it could be considered simple because Jesus did the hard work. He left heaven, was born in a stable, walked this earth, died on the cross and rose again so we could be set free and forgiven from sin. Yet, it could also considered difficult because to follow Christ means life-long surrender. We surrender our rights....we surrender control to HIM.

Some may say, "why would I do that? I know what's best." Take a few minutes and read Genesis 2 and 3 and see the result of Adam & Eve's sin? Compare it to what God intended and offered? Who knew best? Who still knows best?

Father, we confess that we often try to be god, please forgive us. We surrender control of our hearts and souls once again to you today. We surrender our lives, marriages, families, jobs and hobbies. Take complete control. In Jesus Name!