Everyone who attends church or reads Christian literature has probably encountered the statement, “If Satan can’t make us bad, he will make us busy.” It has been used by so many pastors and writers that it may almost begin to sound scriptural. It isn’t, but that doesn’t make it less true. Actually, Corrie Ten Boom was the first to say it. Just how does keeping us busy serve the enemy’s purpose?
Satan doesn’t urge us to do good works – he urges us to take on too many good works. Good works are part of the Christian life, but they are not the most important part. The foundation of a Christ-centered life is a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. That personal relationship only develops through daily time spent with God in prayer and the study of His word. When works – even good works, crowd out that time of fellowship with God, those works become hollow and meaningless. Jesus tells us, “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” (Matthew 7:22-23) I used to have trouble understanding why Jesus rejected them, but now I get it. They were so busy doing what they thought was pleasing to God that they had no time for a personal relationship with Christ and that is why He never knew them. So, since Satan can’t come between you and God, he will put something else in the way, even what appears to be Christian service.
When we first come to Christ for salvation, we feel so empowered with the Holy Spirit that we want to do it all for Him. I think pastors especially have that problem when they answer God’s call to full time ministry. The best example of this in scripture is when Moses became so busy judging minor disputes; he had no time for leadership. His father-in-law pointed out to him that he should delegate those duties to others who are capable, so he would be free to do as God commands him. (Exodus Chapter 18) Only God can “do it all”. That is why He calls each of us to specific works for which He has prepared us. When each of us obey and follow Him, it will all get done.