The Gifts of the Enemy

We know the enemy seeks to destroy us every day, but did you know he also gives gifts? Mind-blowing, I know. One night in bible study, my pastor was teaching on spiritual gifts, and we explored how the devil can give gifts, too. It got me thinking about things from a different perspective.

We see multiple bible verses about being tempted and avoiding temptation, but temptation is not always in the form of something negative. Temptation can sometimes masquerade as a blessing. Unlike the blessings of God, the gifts of the devil are meant for our ultimate destruction.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in return for worshipping him (Matthew 4:8-9). Having power and wealth can be a blessing, but we must consider the source and the associated repercussions.

We hear stories of celebrities “selling their souls” to the devil for fame and fortune, which may be hearsay, but at its root, there may be some truth. Even if they haven’t formally dedicated themselves to Satan, if they aren’t living for God, then for whom are they living? The devil will give fame, wealth, and fortune not because he wants to bless us, but because he wants to keep us. He wants us to covet material things more than we covet God. 1 Timothy 6:9 says, “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”

Now, this does not mean Christians have to be poor to be saved. God desires us to prosper. 1 Kings 2:3 says, “And keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in whatever you do and wherever you turn.” The key is, for Christians to be prosperous, we must follow the requirements of the Lord. The devil has no requirements, which is why so many follow that path. The bible says wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

The enemy will bless you for a time, but at a cost. God wants to bless you because he loves you. Ephesians 3:20 says he’s able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. While the enemy can deceive you through temporary blessings, God’s blessings are everlasting.