John 8:44
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Benedict Arnold is one of the most famous traitors in history. His story is amazing because he started out as a Revolutionary War hero when he led the Connecticut militia to the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. After rising to the rank of general, be became disenchanted and felt that he didn’t get enough credit for his achievements from the Continental Congress. Because he was fed up with how he thought things were going, in 1780 he agreed to give up West Point to the British. Before the plot could be carried out, he was exposed and he later joined the British in fighting against the Americans. There is no doubt that he will always be remembered as a traitor because he aided and abetted the enemy.
As bad as this story is, I find that many Christians aid and abet the Devil. The Devil is the chief enemy of God. The Devil’s sole desire is to destroy the cause of God. You would think a Christian would have no part in helping the Devil’s cause, but I find that many Christians unwittingly aid and abet the cause of the Devil.
In the verse above, you find some of the chief works of the Devil. What is interesting is that every time a Christian performs one of these works, whether or not they realize it, they are aiding and abetting the Devil. Let me show you what works aid and abet the cause of the Devil.
First, a love for accolades is aiding and abetting the Devil. Jesus said that these people were willing to do the “lusts of your father.” When Jesus talked about their father, He was alluding to the Devil. The Devil wanted preeminence in Heaven. That was the sin that caused him to be cast out. When all you care about is getting recognition, then you are aiding and abetting the cause of the Devil. There is nothing wrong with recognition, but you should not work to get it.
Second, a disregard for life is aiding and abetting the Devil. God says that the Devil is a murderer. No, you may never go out and kill someone, but have you killed someone in your heart by hating them? Do you allow people to die in their sins without ever telling them how they can get saved? This is aiding and abetting the Devil.
Third, telling lies is aiding and abetting the Devil. The Devil is the father of lies. Anytime you tell a lie, you are aiding and abetting the cause of the Devil. It doesn’t matter what your purpose for telling the lie may be. Lying is of the Devil. Lies will only further the cause of the Devil. Sadly, some lie to supposedly further the cause of Christ, but a lie will never further the cause of Christ. Truth is what furthers the cause of Christ.
Are you aiding and abetting the Devil? The next time you are tempted to tell a lie, remember that you don’t want to be a Benedict Arnold for the cause of Christ. The next time you complain because you didn’t get the recognition, remember that this will aid the cause of the Devil. The next time you avoid telling someone about Christ, remember that is only aiding and abetting the Devil. Don’t help the other side. Tell the truth all the time. Be sure to be a witness for Christ everywhere you go, and always point recognition to Christ.