1 John 2:16, English Standard Version

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

My dear friends, listen to this: The devil has been imitating God throughout the centuries from the beginning! And as a follower of Christ, if we do not discern carefully, we may think we are following Jesus but may find we are following the prince of the world – the devil. Whenever we try to be God, saying, “My life, my way, my agenda, my pleasure… my decision”, or seek our own glory, we are just joining in with the clan of followers. Instead of following Christ we are following Satan. 

Jesus seeks to give life; Satan wants to cause death. (John 11:25-26, Genesis 3:1-7) Jesus is true Light, Satan masquerades as an angel of light. (John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 11:14) Jesus is the truth, Satan is a liar and the father of lies. (John 1:14, John 8:44) Jesus created all things and sustains all things, Satan can only manipulate what God has already created. (Colossians 1:16, John 1:3) Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, Satan has no authority before God. (Matthew 28:18-20, Job 2)

By understanding the differences between Jesus and the devil, who is it that you find you are following? Are your words, your actions, and your life leading to life, or to death, the everlasting death? (Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:36) Are you a light that reflects the image of God so that people can see Him through you, or are you simply an imitator of light, word without action? (Matthew 5:14-16, 1 John 3:18-20) Do you hide behind the title of Christian while also living a secret life? (Matthew 23:13-28) Are you making every effort to take captive every thought and make them obedient to Christ? (2 Corinthians 10:5) Or are you following your own heart, which is deceitful above all things? (Jeremiah 17:9) Are you living in the word of God or on bread alone? (John 6:63, John 6:68) Do you believe you can manipulate life and death, twisting truth from lies, painting evil as good? (Matthew 6:27, Romans 1:25-27, 1 John 2:21, Isaiah 5:20) Have you considered that God is the One who has the plan and purpose of your life, and do you seek Jesus as your Lord? Or do you see Him only as a savior who is required to bring blessings to you? (Luke 12:26-21, Proverbs 16:9, James 2:17-20)

There are many who are trying to be their own God, both believers and unbelievers. They define the truth, justify their actions, and lead others to follow in their ways. How about you? Please remember, as a Christian as we are a witness. We can either lead someone to Christ Jesus and encourage them to live for Jesus, or hinder them to come to Jesus. May we all be a true image of Christ!