by Mark Johnson
Stop for moment and think about the following question: who is your greatest enemy? What is the first thought that came to your mind? Was it the Devil? Good answer, but no. Was it your past? Was it your annoying, controlling, self-centered boss? Was it a missing father or mother? No! No! No! The answer is very simple; it is you. You are your greatest enemy. Huh? Yes I said it. One of the greatest deceptions known to mankind is the refusal to accept responsibilities for one’s actions. Believe it or not, Satan does not care what or who you blame for your circumstances in life. He is more than willing to play the role of the accuser (Revelation 12:10) and the accused (Genesis 3:13). Why? Because his end game is to keep you from serving God fully and to keep you in darkness, to prevent you from having a flourishing relationship with God.
Adam blamed God and the woman. Eve blamed the serpent. The serpent remained silent because he knew that he had accomplished his mission. But God also had a plan. His name is Jesus. Our Lord Jesus took full responsibility for sins that He did not commit and brought them to the cross, putting them to death. For He was perfect, tempted in all points, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15) He was the perfect sacrifice, the only sacrifice, the only way back to the Father. He is our example. God is not interested in excuses. He has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to defeat the inner me. We have all that we need to live in this world but not be of it (John 17:6-16).