5. Satan will convince you that “you’re not getting the attention you deserve.”
Frustrating, isn’t it? You may be more faithful in your study and preparation of your message than many preachers you know, but somehow they get the recognition you don’t. What follows is money. Increased recognition brings increased funds with it. So while you and your church struggle to make it, the other preacher’s church and even the preacher are doing quite well.
Satan can convince you that you have a right to be frustrated. You are not getting half the attention you deserve. Soon your frustration turns to others whom you deem responsible—your people, a staff member, board member, denominational head, or perhaps your own mate. Tension builds, and Satan stands on the sideline smiling…correction: laughing.
The answer: Go back to the starting block. Don’t memorize but master I Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” Note the word is “faithful,” not “famous.” Place it in front of you on the desk. Hang it in your office. But don’t just memorize it; swallow it. Absorb it into your spiritual being so that it becomes a governing principle of your life.
Why? Because God is the keeper of the books. No good deed goes unrewarded. No amount of discipleship goes unnoticed. No mistakes are made in His bookkeeping. Everything due to you will come in terms of recognition, if not now, then later. He promises, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work” (Revelation 22:12) Think about it—who would you rather be rewarded by? Someone down here who only sees a lot of what you do or someone “up there” who sees all of what you do?
Conclusion
Now that you know Satan’s tactics and how to prevent them, ACT! Let Satan know in no uncertain terms that his tactics won’t work with you. James 4:7 promises, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Your prayers and action will give him a not-so-subtle message: “I’m not interested in a truce; I’m only interested in victory. And victory will be mine.”
