On Temptation...

In my recent times of meditation, I've been mulling on the subject of temptation. Why are we tempted? Why are we the target of Satan's demonic assault? After all, we have no power or authority on our own, so why the barrage from our enemy? I was quickened in my spirit with these thoughts:

We face strong temptation in our lives because it’s not about us. Temptation is an assault by the demonic powers on their rival kingdom of Christ. That’s why (much to our chagrin) our salvation doesn’t curtail the force of temptation, but usually increases it. You see, when we invite The Spirit of Christ to live in us, they will come looking for us; for we now have the power of the One on who they appropriate all their fury.

Satan and his cohorts want to destroy the likeness of the crucified One that they see established in us (1 Pet. 4:14; Rev. 12:17). As Christians, we become their targets because of our close resemblance to our Brother, Jesus Christ.

All of us, whether born-again or not, bear some likeness to Jesus because we share with Him a human nature, the image of God. As we come to find peace with God through our acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior, we begin the transformation of being conformed more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). The demons clamor and howl in the increasing glory of His light, and they’ll attempt, with even more impetus and motivation, to put it out of their sights.

Satan will do anything that he can to destroy the kingdom of God. Thus the reason for our temptation and the assault of the enemy on our lives.