A devilish scheme that will ruin you and harm the church …

Satan is not afraid of your faith.

There are churches full of people who truly believe in Jesus Christ and believe the Word of God. But Satan is afraid of believers who live out their faith and act in obedience to the Word.

That’s why one of his most successful methods of defeating a real believer is encouraging “deferred service.” That’s when Satan motivates the believer who has a dream of living completely for God to put off acting on that dream for a more opportune time …

“I’m too young right now. Once I get a little more experience, then I will …”

“Right now is not a good time since I’m single. Maybe after I get married and settle down, then I will …”

“The kids have so much going on right now and their activities take up all my time …”

“When the kids finish school, then I will …”

“Now that the kids are out of the house, my wife deserves some time …”

“Once I get that promotion I’ll have a little more time …”

“Now that I’ve gotten that promotion, my new responsibilities keep me too busy, let things settle down and then I will …”

“I need to study first. Once I learn more I will …”

“Now is just not a good time financially. Once I get the bills paid off and save enough to be secure, then I will …”

“My health needs my attention right now. Once I get in better shape, then I will be able to …”

“I need to spend time with my grandkids right now. Maybe after they’re a little older, then I will …”

OBITUARY: “Today, Joe Believer died. He believed what Jesus said, and he believed the Bible. He just did everything other than live his faith, or obey the Word. But he had good intentions, he was going to get around to it one day.”

Score one more for Satan, who robbed another life of living for Jesus Christ simply by getting someone to defer serving the Lord.

Knowing this scheme, Jesus spoke directly to what it really means to follow Him:

“Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need,” Matthew 6:33.

“Then he said to the crowd, ‘If anyone wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but you are yourself lost or destroyed?'” Luke 9:23-25.

The Apostle Paul chimes in on this subject as well …

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do,” Ephesians 5:15-17.

Do you know what the Lord wants you to do? What’s keeping you from doing it?

Scotty