Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (James 4:8).

I have seen the wall where the ink left its stain. A spattered shadow still appears where Martin Luther is said to have thrown his inkwell at the Devil’s appearance. The story is famous for its dramatic features and important because of its representation of spiritual warfare. 

Luther wasn’t running from God or pursuing an evil path when he felt most assaulted by Satan. The spiritual attack came while Luther was translating the New Testament into the language of his people.

After enduring great personal sacrifice and engaging in efforts that would change the face of the Western world, Luther’s faith was severely tested. His experience should teach us we are never immune to spiritual assault — not even when we are immersed in noble spiritual endeavors. 

Thus, we must resist the Devil, not only by doing important things for God, but by drawing near to him. Great men and women of God often receive their greatest spiritual challenge when engaged in their most important spiritual work. The key to our spiritual safety is not the greatness of our endeavor but the nearness of our God. 

Our temptation is to be fulfilled by doing a great work for God, but he first desires a great heart for God. We want the achievement; God wants our heart. 

Prayer:
Father, help me to recognize and resist the attacks of the evil one. Let me not substitute the importance of doing work for you with the necessity of drawing near to you.