The fall of Lucifer happened because he wanted to be like God. He sought to do all the things that God does. However, there are things in this life that only God can do, and as humans, we cannot. We are commanded to leave the fighting to God, for it is not our job. As the Bible says, "The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still" (Exodus 14:14).
We should not try to be like God or attempt to do things in our own strength, for when we do, we are essentially trying to replace Him, often without realizing it. In doing so, we exhaust ourselves and cut ourselves off from God’s blessings and strength. Trying to accomplish what only God can do leads us away from His grace and provision.
We need to learn who we are and understand our kingdom roles so we can live within the boundaries God has set for us. By doing so, we avoid treading on God’s toes and trying to be like Him by performing tasks meant solely for Him. The enemy loves it when we step outside of our kingdom roles. This is exactly why he was cast out of heaven—he became proud and tried to exalt himself above God. He will do the same to us, inflating our pride and persuading us to act beyond our God-given roles.
God is the only one who can exalt us in His perfect timing. For successful kingdom living, we must understand that we are not God, and we are no longer in control of our lives. We were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
We do not determine our success by worldly standards. The Bible tells us that those who are faithful with little will be entrusted with much: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10). What has God entrusted to you? Are you doing that to the best of your ability, or are you trying to do more than what has already been given to you? What do your resources allow for at this present time? Whatever you have, do it with all your heart.
What skills has God given you to advance His kingdom? Nurture those. If you do not have the resources to meet the needs of many, start by discipling those around you. Life is worth more than money, and we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). It is not expensive to win hearts and souls for Jesus. If it were, Jesus would not have instructed His disciples as He did: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt” (Luke 9:3). The economy of heaven is love.
Love God first, with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love others as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Love is worth more than all the money in the world. You don’t need thousands to reach the lost—you need a heart rich in love for those around you.
It’s tempting to think we need to meet the physical needs of others, but sharing the Gospel is a cost that cannot be calculated or paid for. We must be rich in prayer and love for others—the broken and the lost. In an attempt to start a ministry or fulfill our calling, we may fail because we lack the resources to match our ideas and may give up on our dreams because we don't have the financial means. However, God gives us everything we need. He wants us to succeed. The only resources we truly need are hearts and minds that live for Jesus and His glory, and a knowledge of His Word. Allow yourself to be changed and sanctified daily, and God will use you.
It may at times feel like you have no calling or be frustrating when you are unable to realize your vision to spread the Gospel in a certain way. But maybe God has another plan for you! He has given you everything you need for where He has placed you right here and now. Take stock of all those around you and their spiritual condition. One genuine conversion is worth just as much as meeting the needs of thousands. Each soul and person you bring to Jesus is precious and valuable to Him, and each one brings Him glory.
Winning souls is not like depositing money in the bank. It's not that 1,000 souls are worth more than saving one. Disciple those around you first before branching out, because they will be your future network of believers. Who do you want to spend eternity with—1,000 strangers or your loved ones? Start with them first. Take care of the spiritual needs of those around you. Encourage them, love them, fight for them on your knees in prayer, and speak to them about Jesus at every opportunity. Work on yourself so you are a genuine reflection of Jesus and His love in their lives.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for the reminder that we are not You and that we should not try to do what only You can do. Help us understand our roles in Your kingdom and be faithful with what You have entrusted to us. Teach us to trust You and rely on Your strength rather than our own. Give us hearts full of love for You and others. Help us to disciple those around us and share the good news of Your salvation. May we be faithful stewards of the resources You have given us, and may everything we do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still."
1 Corinthians 6:20 - "You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Luke 16:10 - "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."
Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other."
Luke 9:3 - "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt."
Matthew 22:37-39 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
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