WHO HAS AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE?

God’s purpose in creating humans in His likeness was that they would be in relationship with Him and reflect His image on the beautiful earth He created for them to live on.  God’s desire was that humans would fellowship with Him and enjoy everything He created. However, through lies and scheming, Satan managed to make the first humans believe that God was withholding something good from them.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”  So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 NIV) 

Satan, a created angel, once held a place of great importance before the throne of God.  However, he became prideful and wanted to be worshipped like the Most High God and, because of his pride, Satan was cast out of heaven.  Now he roams the earth seeking to destroy humans who are made in the image of God.

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!  You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!  You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God.  I will make myself like the Most High.”  But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.  (Isaiah 14:12-15 NIV)

When we follow the desires of our own heart, whether in an addictive lifestyle or in just ignoring the God who created us, we are being disloyal to God and therefore giving Satan authority over us.  We, by our actions, are saying that we have found something more pleasing to us than God and what He has so generously provided for us.  Perhaps it is time for us to reflect on whom we really want to have authority over our lives.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, Forgive me for my rebellion against You and Your ways.  Thank You for pursuing me with Your love.  Thank You for sending Jesus into the world to free me from sin and the power of Satan.  Today, I choose to give You full authority in my life.  Amen