2 Timothy 2:26

"And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Timothy 2:26

In any conflict, the good and bad side are equally represented by soldiers. Soldiers are recruited by both sides. The same can be said of the war between God and Satan. Recruitors are out in full force. Christians are out spreading the Gospel. New recruits come in daily. Contracts are penned in the hearts of these new soldiers in Christ. The training begins. Unfortunately, this whole process is more appealing to the world. Why is the other side so appealing?

The rewards of joining are instant. Pleasure is the biggest appeal that the Enemy possesses. In today's world, the body's so-called "needs" can be met at just about anytime and anywhere. Time does not matter anymore. Stores are open 24/7. The internet never sleeps. We live in a world of instant-gratification. The accessibility of sin is blinding. Everyone does it! Why shouldn't we? The majority rules and makes it popular and OK! Popularity is a side effect that sinners do not mind.

Captivity is a whole different subject. Blindness is one more adverse effect. The pleasure blinds us to the chains that we clink to our hearts. The cold hard sound clangs briskly in our chest. It falls upon deaf ears. Satan has our eyes and ears full of pleasure. We are captive to do his will. What exactly is his will? "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." John 10:10A Greed sets in our bones. Drives us to fulfill our own "needs" at the cost of others. We willingly steal, kill, and destroy for the Enemy. Sin blinds us to other's pain. It does not matter because we have made ourselves happy and got what we want! By fixing our eyes on the worldly prizes, we cause damage to otherworldly gems. Souls are stolen from the Lord. Lives are destroyed and killed. Satan loves to destroy God's creation. It makes him all the happier when he can turn God's creation against one another and willingly pillage the Father's children. This is extremely painful and heartbreaking to the Father. What is to be done?

Soldiers must cowboy up. The Gospel must be spread. The Gospel is the hammer that will shatter the lies(shackles) of the Enemy. Sight will be restored to the soldiers duped by the Enemy. They will be able to see what they really "need!" The Father's army is bulked up in said manner. Turn coat is usually a negative word. In this war, it is the most liberating term to be used. Jesus will turn that old musty coat of deceit inside out. A pristine white coat of the Lord drapes across the soldier's shoulders. "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." Revelation 19:14 No longer is he/she a captive, but a captivator for the Lord Almighty.

kenny