You know, I get a lot of ideas for my blogs from just driving around in my city and reading church signs. I think about the way they might mean it; then I cogitate on other possible meanings or applications. Before long my mind is racing, checking Bible verses and developing a theme. Quite interesting, actually. Like this one.

I’m still pondering over how much Satan (or his minions) is directly involved in our lives. Just as I feel that the hand of God is on me most days, there are those few days that it seems that an evil force is at work. What is more obvious to me is how the current condition of my heart influences the work of good or evil in my being.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) we see the seed (gospel/good news) being spread, and various types of soil or terrain receiving it. The results are little produce, struggling plants or a thriving crop. Jesus explains later that the outcome is predicated on the condition of the ground (heart) when the seed (word) is spread.

The analogy of troubled waters is similar in that it is difficult to stir up calm waters unless there is a turbulence already at work, even if just below the surface. God and Satan both rely upon us to contribute to our own spiritual growth or death. The devil can’t make me do it, and Christ reminds us that we are yoked together with him — that is, he won’t carry the load alone.

So what will I do about this struggle for my soul? I will guard my heart. I will ask for wisdom (James 1:5). I will resist Satan. And, overall, I will make every effort to love. I can do no other if I want to survive.