Sometimes we are the devils tools.

     Are you?  I have been.  It's not a great leap of the imagination to learn that we are tools that the devil has used or is using.  All it takes is for us to do nothing and we are his tools.  At least that's what the Bible says.  Being the devils tools doesn't make you an unbeliever.  All it does is make you an ineffectual tool for Jesus and an effectual tool for the devil.  I know, it's only Tuesday and I'm already hitting you with truths you would rather not deal with.  But then you know that would be true on most every day.  Even on Sunday.  We go to church, learn about Jesus and what he wants us to do and then go home to do nothing for him.  You do it, I do it, and most pastors do it as well.  Doesn't make things right though.  There are times when the greatest opportunities spring up and we answer them by sabotaging the very work the Holy Spirit has spent time and effort in setting up.  Then the time comes, his servant (us) are in place, the moment comes and we do nothing.  We are afraid or we don't care or we really don't know Jesus.  which excuse is yours?
     One tool the devil loves to use is our closed mouths.  I know that the Bible cautions us on opening our mouths and being seen as a fool.  I know that Jesus was silent during his trial.  I know that there is a time for silence.  I know these things.  So do you.  Instead of being instant in and out of season to give a reason for the hope that is within us, we close our mouths.  We can talk about sports, TV shows, music, cars, dresses and whatever else at the drop of a hat.  But somehow, we cannot or will not talk about Jesus and what he means to us.  When we keep our mouths closed the word can only be transferred by our actions.  We are the only Bible that some people read.  That being said, we become the devils tool in that arena as well.  We act in such a way that no one would guess that we profess Christ as Lord and Savior.  Don't think so?  How about our sense of entitlement in stores, on the road, when we are at work?  What do people think of your ignoring your children, yelling at your children, swearing at your children?  Is that what Jesus commanded us to do?  The devil loves to use our actions to discredit the Gospel in your and my life. 
     One of the greatest of tools that the devil loves to use is sitting on our nightstands and shelves.  Maybe your coffee table or counter.  It could even be in your car's glove box or on the dash.  Yes, I'm talking about your Bible.  You have one.  You have read it.  You have stashed it.  When it's stashed, it's the devils tool.  He hates the Word but can quote it better than you or I can.  He wants you to be ashamed of the Bible.  If he can get you to leave it alone, put it out of sight, and not read it, he has your Bible as a tool.  We may take time to read the paper, trash novels, travel guides and the latest comic books but don't make time for the Word.  When was the last time you were in a group conversation talking about a serious topic and you were asked for your opinion because you were a Christian?  You said, "Well, the Bible is clear on that and taking a pen from work is stealing from your employer and wrong."  Substitute any other topic you want.  We become the devils tools when we don't stand for God.  The man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.  All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing. 
     God has been so good to us.  He has blessed us beyond measure.  He wishes to talk and walk with us every moment of our lives.  His desire consumes us through his love for us.  If we appreciate the love of God we won't be the devils tools.  It's your choice and it's my choice.