Articles
Running with the Devil; Walking with Jesus
Which of the following adages are actually in the Bible?
“Don’t jump out of the frying pan into the fire.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers.”
“Don’t put the cart before the horse.”
“As you sow, so shall you reap.”
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“Where you heart is, there your treasure will be also.”
Another adage found in the Bible is this, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat. 6:24). Another way of saying this is, “You cannot run with the devil and walk with Jesus.” Why?
First, the devil is a liar while Jesus is completely honest. Satan’s lies are not your “run-of-the-mill” lies (Jn. 8:44). They are the lies that caused Eve to forget God’s command (Gen. 3:4-5). He will promise you the kingdom (Mat. 4:9), but deliver you into the pit where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Rev. 9:1, 2, 11; Mat. 25:30). With his lies he intends your murder (Jn. 8:44). His lies will lead you into “the second death” (Rev. 21:8). But in Jesus there is no deceit, none whatsoever (1 Pet. 2:21).
Second, the devil and Jesus had opposing goals. One of the names of Satan is “Abaddon.” “Abaddon” means destroyer. Thayer, in his definition, includes the words “ruin,” “havoc” and “minister of death.” He is also called “the prince of darkness.” Jesus, on the other hand (pun intended), is “the prince of peace” (Isa. 9:6), “the light of life” (Jn. 8:12) and He is the doorway to eternal joy in heaven (Jn. 10:9; 14:6).
Third, you cannot “run with the devil” and “walk with Jesus” because they are traveling in opposite directions. There is an everlasting fire prepared specifically for the devil and his angels (Mat. 25:41). It is described as hell, torments, everlasting destruction and everlasting punishment (Mk. 9:43, 45; Rev. 14:11; Mat. 25:41, 2 Thes. 1:9; Mat. 25:46). In contrast, Jesus “ascended” (Mk. 16:19), was “taken up” (Acts 1:9), and is “exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:32-33). He is coming again to take those who walk with Him to heaven (Jn. 14:1-3).
“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil. 3:17-18, emphasis added, SV).
In order to “run with the devil” you must turn loose of Jesus. In order to walk with Jesus you must turn loose of the devil. You cannot serve two masters.
(Which adages are in the Bible? 4, 7, 8)
