Don’t trade down

April 17, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10, NKJV).

God offered Adam and Eve a garden paradise. Satan offered them an attractive, tasty piece of fruit.

God offered Solomon wealth, wisdom and prestige. Satan offered him hundreds of exotic wives.

Jesus offered Judas Iscariot the title of disciple. Satan offered him 30 silver coins.

The oft-repeated story is ancient and current. A person accepts God’s offer of a promising future, then Satan offers a momentary pleasure or possession in its place. The person gives up God’s gift in exchange for Satan’s temptation. Of course, Satan never reveals his offer’s impending expiration date.

Adam and Eve’s fruit didn’t last. Solomon’s wives brought more grief than enjoyment. Judas never got to spend his coins.

Satan wants to deprive everyone of God’s best for them. He talked Esau into giving up his God-given birthright for a bowl of soup. He persuaded Lot to trade his spiritual heritage for the flashy attractions of Sodom. He urged Achan to trade in the Promised Land for a few changes of clothing.

Then there’s the young man in the New Testament named Demas. Paul mentioned him as a co-worker (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24). But toward the end of Paul’s life he reported Demas’ desertion. Demas had exchanged his service to God for a few temporary pleasures.

Like the other biblical examples, Demas traded down. He willingly left a lifestyle God could bless for one that would result in disappointment and sorrow.

How can you prepare to resist Satan’s offers? It’s best to decide before he comes knocking to ignore his persuasive salesmanship. Nothing Satan offers will last. Nor can it match God’s blessings on earth and eternity in heaven. Trading God’s blessing to satisfy a temporary temptation is never worth it.

A reminder from Scripture about the dangers of trading down may help. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.