satan fights those with a high calling

[Sarah]

This is one of those things that most Christians say...and I find myself wincing when it is said because I don't know that I believe it.

When I was young a few said that the devil fought me a lot because of my calling.

The druggy husband next door, wears it like a badge that he has a great calling because the devil fights him so hard.

I know people who won't pursue God too much because they are afraid the devil will take their jobs, their kids, etc.

Since personally I don't see the devil as being per se, but a force within each, then I don't know where this leaves this line of reasoning.  I don't know why but it bugs me when people say,"Oh, he must have a high calling because the devil is really working him over." 

I don't know why it bugs me...but it does.   :dontknow:

[firstborn888]

I don't know why but it bugs me when people say,"Oh, he must have a high calling because the devil is really working him over."

The verse which comes to mind is Jesus to Peter "satan has desired to sift you like wheat".

Christians do seem to give a lot of credit to satan's power, but he has no power except that which has been given. It does make sense that if we are in purposeful conflict with a system, then there will be more observable 'action' than if we were just going along with the system.

However, as those who are not ignorant of satan's schemes we should working satan over, not the the other way around. We are not under satan's power any longer, rather - he is under our dominion.

I guess if you have a 'high calling', but do not know your authority then the 'getting beat up' scenario could be true. It would be like rising up against a dictator in your own strength with no weapons or allies with you - not a great idea!

blessings,
    - byron

[Kratos]

Being in an exalted place where others are hurt by your fall does make you a target. It is just wise warefare to take out those whose fall will affect more people. However, a lot of fault can be place at the feet of the system which ordains gifted men without waiting for them to come to the place of maturity where Satan has nothing in them before setting them in as examples.

1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

The Babylonian system ordains gifts, but the Bible says that you ordain elders. It is about coming to maturity to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil rather than exalting a gifted young man who is an easy target and their fall hurts many people.

John