For Himself Alone

Scripture References: 1 Kings 18:20-21; Colossians 2:20-23

An opponent of the Burmese government, Aung San escaped from authorities in 1941, contacted Japanese officials, and organized his forces under their training, accompanying them in attacks on Burma. However, when Aung San saw that the Japanese wouldn’t let him be an independent ruler, he organized a secret anti-Fascist organization while ostensibly supporting the Japanese cause. In December 1944, he contacted the British with a request for Allied assistance and then surprised the Japanese by joining and fighting with the Allies. He saw collaboration with either side as a means of gaining independence for Burma.

Sometimes people make bargains with whomever they feel offers them the greatest advantage. The relationship chosen might be terribly harmful, as was Aung San’s bargain with the Japanese, but they feel the temporary advantage is worth it. The devil is always ready to strike a bargain. He knows his power, even if those who deal with him do not. He will accept our delay in accepting Christ if he can’t convince us to disown him. He will encourage us to give up one sin to assure our continued involvement in others. He will settle for our occasional doubt about God’s love since he is unable to turn us into atheists. But make no mistake. Satan hates God and vilifies Christ in order to exalt himself, and he knows the increasing power of his persuasion once he is allowed to persuade. No bargain struck with him will ever harm him or help us.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved.