Battling Satan’s influence is quite a challenge. As the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) his influence on society is constant. He is "on the air" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

However, God’s Word assures us, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). This verse is actually a promise reflecting a cause-and-effect relationship. Satan doesn’t like to “hang around” where he is not wanted and where he does not have success.

This promise, however, is clearly directed toward those willing to "submit to God" (same verse) and is immediately followed with the instruction, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (verse 8?).

How, then, do we draw near to God? His instruction continues, "Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (same verse). We must actively seek to eliminate Satan’s way of thinking and behaving from our lives.

God’s Word is the instrument available to us to draw near to God and lessen Satan’s influence on our thinking. Jesus "loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27).

This next week, try an experiment. Every time you have thoughts that are not positive or Christian in nature, remember what James says: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Dwell on the thought, remind God of His promise and ask Him for help. See if it makes a difference.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!