CONVENIENCE
Today's reading:  1 Kings 19-22

"King Ahab had a palace in Jezreel, and near the palace was a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth.  One day Ahab said to Naboth, Since your vineyard is so convenient to the palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden.  I will give you a better vineyard in exchange or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.  But Naboth replied, The Lord forbid I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors."  1 Kings 21:1-3 NLT

A simple exchange.  A decision based on convenience.  An even swap.  A great idea.

I don't know about your dealings with satan, but his 'deals' are never bargains!

He's offered me peace and rest on lazy Sunday mornings.  What do I get in return for missing church?  A messy, unlovely week filled with chaos and a stinky attitude.

He urges me to choose the 'easy way out'.  And the reward?  Nothing of eternal value.  No patience developed.  No faith grown.  No feeling of accomplishment.

He's tried to sell me on the fact that he knows best.  That he 'has my back'.  That he's the only one looking out for me.  And the invoice total?  Well, it's always higher than I'd expected--or had the funds to pay.

Satan's on the lookout for folks willing to trade what Christ is doing for what he promises he can do.  He's in the business of buying out estates, robbing people of their inheritance, trading treasures for junk.  He's looking for people who haven't a clue as to the value of all they possess.

He's not looking for you, is he?