Please Read James 5:10-11

We’ve all heard the story of Job. But do we know the details? That can only come from study. Job’s story can be found in the Bible book of Job. It’s a remarkable story. Here you have a man who is the richest person in his entire country. But he’s not like most rich people. Job shares his wealth with the poor. He feeds and cares for fatherless children and widows. He provides lodging for traveling strangers. Job helps those who can not pay him back, and expects nothing in return. (Luke 14:12-14) He’s a faithful husband to his wife. Job makes a covenant with his eyes to never look lustfully at another woman. (Job 31:1) A different man indeed. He has ten children and is a good father. Whenever his children have a feast Job offers up sacrifices to God just in case one of them has sinned. This was his custom. (Job 1:4-5) God himself said there was no one on earth like Job. And Job didn’t belong to any religious sect, organization, or denomination. What does that teach us? Job was a man who sought to do good. He feared God and shunned evil. God said he was the most righteous man in the whole world during his time. (Job 1:8)

TRAGEDY STRIKES JOB

As good as Job was this did not prevent tragedy from striking him. There’s this false belief that we can become so good that God won’t let anything bad happen to us. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) Job’s life proves that belief is wrong. Satan the Devil was allowed to bring much pain and sorrow to Job. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) He lost all of his wealth, and all ten of his children were killed at the same time, on the same day. Most of his employees were killed too. Then Job was struck with boils by the Devil from head to toe–a very ugly painful disease. Yes, the most righteous man in the whole world, God’s servant, was allowed to suffer all this. To add to his pain Job’s friends tormented him by telling him daily that all this happened to him because he had sinned against God. And all he had to do is confess his sins and his problems would go away. I’ve met self-righteous preachers like Job’s friends who were quick to tell people they knew nothing about that their sufferings too were all the result of them being unfaithful to God. Job’s friends were so convinced of this that they never let up accusing him. They did eventually stop later on when God himself personally confronted one of them. God spoke directly to Eliphaz (one of Job’s friends) and told him He was angry with him and his two friends for not speaking the truth about Him as His servant Job had. (Job 42:7-9) God let them know they were dead wrong, and needed to make amends for their sins. God vindicated Job from all the wicked accusations that were brought against him.

JOB NEVER CURSED GOD

During Job’s entire ordeal he never cursed God or charged Him with evil. Even when his wife saw his great suffering and said, “Why don’t you just curse God and die,” Job rebuked her saying, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Are we to accept only the good from God and not the bad too?” What an answer. The right answer. (Job 2:9-10) Satan told God twice in front of all the Angels in heaven that if Job was put to the test he would curse God to his face. And Job never did. Instead he kept worshiping and praising God even in his misery. What a remarkable man! Of course he did wonder why all this was happening to him, and was very disturbed about it at times. Who wouldn’t be? But he never gave up and cursed God like Satan said he would. Job is a champion of faith! Job; a man born in sin, proved the Devil to be the big fat liar he is. He proved that any man can be faithful to God no matter what he’s going through if he chooses. He proved this by keeping his integrity under the most trying circumstances. And he didn’t even know why all this was happening to him. Satan the Devil, the original serpent, lost again. And has been losing ever since. I feel sorry for the poor human beings he’s won to his cause and tricked into believing he’s a winner. (Revelation 21:8)

Towards the end of Job’s trouble God had a conversation with him. God revealed to him who he really is. The contents of this jaw-dropping dialogue can be found in Job chapters 38-41. In chapter 42 verses 1-6 Job is blown away by what he hears, and humbly admits he now knows God much better. I strongly encourage you to read the entire book of Job. There are many lessons learned in this book.

GOD RESTORES JOB

After God corrects Job’s friends for speaking lies about Him Job prays for his friends. God accepts Job’s prayer and immediately restores Job, his family, and his fortunes. God blesses Job with twice as much materially than he had before. Wow! He was already the richest man in his entire country. God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former. God gave Job seven more sons and three more daughters. Job’s daughters were the most beautiful women in the whole land. God also let Job live 140 more years. He got to see his children’s children, and even their children, to the 4th generation before he died. God rewarded Job’s faithfulness. Won’t he do the same for you and me? Even if we never get back every material possession that we lost isn’t it better to be rewarded with eternal life in heaven? (Philippians 3:7-14) There we have an everlasting kingdom, one that will never end. And no one, NO ONE, can take that away from us. (Matthew 6:19-20 Daniel 7:17-18, 21-27)

Wonna enjoy peace even in the midst of stormy trials? Give mild answers. The Bible says that a fool’s mouth brings strife, invites beatings, and is a trap to his own soul. (Proverbs 18:6-7) A fool lashes out with pride and provokes others. Soon enough someone gets tired of him. (Proverbs 14:3 10:14 Ecclesiastes 10:12)

Please Read Proverbs 15:1

God teaches us to be wise not fools. A gentle answer turns away anger, but harsh words stir it up. By giving mild answers even in the face of provocation we turn anger away. It doesn’t get to build up. It’s harder for a person to feel justified in harming us because we’re not hurting them back with our words. But when we argue and answer people in a harsh manner we are stirring anger up in them, and that will lead to trouble. (Psalm 37:8) Wisdom says to handle situations mildly, calmly, with a cool head. Not only is this exhibiting self-control which is the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we are in control of the situation at hand because we are walking in the spirit and obeying God’s teaching. Giving mild answers has great spiritual power. This power comes from God.

Please Read Proverbs 25:15

God said that even rulers can be persuaded by patience. And a gentle tongue can break a bone. Ever seen someone arguing with a person in a position of authority? The same people they need to help them in some kind of way? It normally doesn’t turn out well, does it? Why be a pain in the butt to those whose help you need? Why argue with someone who has authority over you period? Isn’t it better to follow God’s counsel and benefit ourselves? Who cares if you don’t like this or that about the person. They’re in a position of authority over you, and you need their help. Arguing may cause them to become even more angry with you, then feel justified in making matters worse for you. It’s not wise to be a hot-head. Being patient as God says will net better results. Gentle words are so powerful they can break a bone God said. Operate in that power, the true power. Bickering only leads to trouble. Let us remember this the next time things don’t seem to be going our way and we’re dealing with difficult people, especially those in positions of authority. (Romans 13:1)

IN CONCLUSION

Please Read James 1:19-20

If we follow what God says being swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, a lot of quarrels will never happen. When we get angry (our way) it is impossible to live the righteous life that God requires. Our words and how we use them play a huge role in our lives. By giving mild, gentle answers we will be like a skilled road worker that paves smooth roads ahead of ourselves on which to travel.

Please Read Psalm 27:14

Ever been in a situation where all you could do is wait? Did you complain? I’m sure all of us have at some time. But that’s where patience is lost. Patience isn’t just waiting. It’s the ability to wait and suffer painful annoyances calmly, without complaining. All the great servants of God had patience. They knew something most people don’t know: that God is in full control of everything. And he has our best interest at heart. A person makes many plans, but God determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9 Jeremiah 10:23) Our waiting patiently on God shows we trust and know Him. Someone who knows God is guiding their destiny doesn’t fret. He/she obeys Jesus who says not to worry. (Matthew 6:34) Even when things look bleak God’s power isn’t weak. Our changing circumstances don’t change Him. God is with us in all of our afflictions just as he was with Joseph while he was in prison. (Genesis 39: 20-23)

JOSEPH A GREAT EXAMPLE

Many of us know the story of Joseph. He was an exceptional man. When he was a boy his brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery. Imagine being in that position. But this unusual lad did not lose heart. He kept looking to his God. And his God made him super successful in whatever he did. So successful that he was placed over Pharaoh’s chief bodyguard’s whole house. The chief bodyguard’s wife noticed young Joseph, but he refused to have sex with her. She eventually had him setup on a false rape charge. Now Joseph had to go to prison where he stayed for years. You think he might have just given up by now? Not Joseph. He kept patiently waiting on his God. And God rewarded him again by being with him in prison. Everything Joseph touched abundantly succeeded. So much so that the prison warden put Joseph over the whole prison. “But what kind of success is that?” some might say. “He’s still in prison.” Being made the head and not the tail in a tough situation lightens the load. God gives a person rest even in the midst of their trials.

GOD REWARDS PATIENCE

Joseph was eventually released from prison and was promoted by the Pharaoh of Egypt himself. He was placed in charge of all Egypt and answered only to Pharaoh. Yes, Joseph became a very powerful man. He was later reunited with his family and was instrumental in saving them and many others from a deadly famine that lasted for 7 years. Oh, I almost forgot: Pharaoh gave Joseph his own daughter to be his wife. Joseph had children by her, life was good. But Joseph always made good even when life was bad. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) Every time the world threw lemons at Joseph he took those lemons and made lemonade. He is one of my favorite people because of his great patience. He wouldn’t quit serving God regardless of his circumstances. His story can be found in the book of Genesis chapters 37, and 39-50. If you check out his story you will definitely see that God does reward patience. Let’s be like Joseph. Let’s patiently wait on God and never lose heart.

Please Read 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Are you at war? The Bible says that no one who is at war (or serves as a soldier of Christ) gets entangled with the affairs of this life. What a mission for the soldier of Christ. This world is filled with alluring entanglements. The soldier of God has to really love Jesus to keep himself free from them and available to serve his master.

Our commanding officer is also our best friend. (John 15:12-17) What a different relationship from those who serve human and demonic authorities. Our commander has also went through the fire for us. He laid down his life for us (his friends) so that we may live eternally. It was as if he said, “I would rather die than to live without you.” What a friend! (John 15:14-14) When we reflect on the love Jesus has for us it behooves one to be a good soldier of our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39) Love is eternal. This fleeting world with it's glamor and glitter is not. It's all one big fake magic show that is soon about to end.

THE SHOW

Every day you and I wake up to the magic show. We don't have to turn on our TVs to see it. We're living in it. This world system is ran by Satan the great magician and his fellow magicians the demons. Jesus called Satan the prince of this world. (Revelation 12:9 John 14:30 Ephesians 2:1-3) He possesses and gives human entities power to do false miracles (magic). (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Revelation 13:1-2 12:9) Satan uses every form of falsehood to influence and manipulate human beings 24/7, everyday of the year. People don't realize just how much they are being influenced and are a part of the magic show. The Devil likes it that way. Part of the mission for the true soldier of Christ is not to be a willing participant in Satan's show, but to expose it and help others get out. (Ephesians 5:11 John 8:31-32 John 3:16 1 John 2:17)

Those who truly believe in Jesus are of particular interest to the Devil. (Revelation 12:17) Not only because they are God's ground forces on the earth working against the Devil's kingdom. Not only because they have something he will never have: eternal life. (John 3:16) But the Devil is interested in Christians too because if he can get any of them to become a willing participant in his magic show after they have received an accurate knowledge of the truth, they will suffer a special kind of doom. (Hebrews 10:26-27 Hebrews 6:4-6) The same fate he will eventually suffer. (Revelation 20:10)

THE END

How will the movie end for us individually? Remember, Satan is a trickster. He is not called, “that old serpent,” for nothing. (Revelation 12:9) Has his magic show bewitched us? Have we gotten entangled, even being strangled by the cares and affairs of this life? (Luke 8:14) Remember, it is written that is something a good soldier is not supposed to do. The good news is we can change if this is the case. Yes, we can press the reset button, or change the channel on our lives. We don't have to be an actor/actress in the Devil's show. We can play our part (though small) in God's show, by being in the world, but not being of it, and reflecting the glory of God seen in Jesus Christ.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17

Please Read Matthew 8:16 12:22-23 Luke 4:33-37

Long before lies were taught about evil spirits in movies Jesus made known the truth about demons. With a simple word he commanded them to come out of people and healed them. That's right, they actually live in people, making their lives miserable. There's many weird speculations about who demons are and where they come from. But the only record in the Bible of spirits becoming evil (other than Satan the Devil) and where they came from is in Genesis chapter 6 where the sons of God (angels) came down to earth and had sexual relations with women. They took wives for themselves, any of whom they chose, and even had children by them. (Genesis 6:1-4 Jude 1:6) These children of fallen angels (demons) became the world's legendary bad dudes of old.

Our world has been plagued by the presence of great evil for millenniums. Mankind invited evil into our world in the beginning, in the garden of Eden when he sinned. (Romans 5:12) In the same way people today invite the harmful affects of evil spirits into their lives by toying with sin. Those who obey God and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ are protected. They cannot be possessed or controlled by demons. Jesus protects them and covers their sins. They are born again, born of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for them to willfully live in sin because God's seed is in them. (1 John 3:9 5:18-19) That means since evil and sin has no hold on them by God's grace neither does Satan, and they will never die. (John 3:16) For the wages of sin is death the Bible says. (Romans 6:23) But the free gift from God is eternal life through Jesus our Lord. That's why he is also called Savior. Jesus saves his followers from the harmful affects of this demon possessed world. Even death itself is conquered through him (Jesus Christ). (1 Corinthians 15:49-58) Jesus has made us more than conquerors indeed. (Romans 8:37-39)

Please Read Luke 10:17-20

Jesus also made it known that he gives mere human beings the power to command evil spirits to come out of people in his name. (Mark 16:17-18) The name of Jesus has authority. He is the son of the living Almighty God. The demons know this and shudder. (James 2:19 Matthew 8:28-34 Mark 1:22-24 ) Hence when a person becomes a true servant of Christ he/she too is given authority by Jesus over evil spirits. This doesn't mean the demons won't bother us. On the contrary they will take a special interest in you because you belong to Christ their enemy. (2 Timothy 3:12-13 Ephesians 6:12 Revelation 12:17) You too are now their enemy. But you have the upper hand in the battle because you have Christ. As long as your faith remains in him they cannot handle you. But they will keep trying you, coming through their human minions. They hope we will get fed up with persecutions and trials and just give up. They don't mind if you're a phony Christian; always professing God with your mouth, but living contrary to the faith. That kind of person has no authority over them. But a true Christian, woe! Remember, Jesus gave us authority over demons and over all the power of the enemy (Satan). That's a lot of power! Don't let it go to our heads Jesus said. Just be glad for what it means; your names are written in heaven. You have the kingdom of God and eternal life! Something your spiritual enemies wish they had never thrown away.

Please Read Jude 1:6 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

Please Read Matthew 10:22

I get a little sad when I hear people say they expect respect from others. I especially am saddened when professing believers say this and even demand respect. I feel sorry for them because I know if their view never changes they cannot serve Christ. Jesus said that EVERYONE will hate his disciples because of him. So how could a true follower of Jesus expect or demand to be respected by all? That's not realistic thinking. Jesus also said the one who endures (or accepts) persecution to the end is the one who will be saved. Hence, can we accept being disrespected for the name of Christ? (Acts 5:40-42)

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE BLESSED

Please Read Matthew 5:10-12

You and I have a choice: Do we want to be respected by people, or be blessed by almighty God? We can't have both. Jesus said, “Blessed are you,” when people insult you, when they ridicule you, when they lie on you, and say all kinds of evil against you for his name. That is not respecting you. But you are so awesomely blessed because this is how the world treated every prophet before you. (Hebrews 11:36-40) You're in great company. The kingdom of heaven is yours. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when this happens to you Jesus says. This reminds me of something the apostle Paul said regarding his hardships and persecutions for the faith. He said that he took pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in all persecutions for Christ. He said, 'because when I am weak then I am really strong because Christ's power is resting upon me.' (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Paul learned not to focus on the persecution but on what it means: “I'm blessed! When I am weak I am really strong. Because the power of Christ is mightily with me.”

HOVERING

Please Read 1 Peter 4:14

To be taunted, abused, ridiculed, defamed, spoken evil of because of your belief in Jesus is a true blessing from God. He says you're happy if this happens to you because it is evidence that his spirit is resting upon you. Sometimes we forget that. Imagine the spirit of almighty God Himself, permanently fixed, immovable, stationed, upon YOU. God's presence is with you always! That is your true blessed state if you are persecuted for being a Christian. See why God says you are happy? Who can penetrate the presence and protection of almighty God? No one! You can say, “Though I am persecuted I enjoy communion with the king of the universe himself! His angel is stationed, encamped round about me like a fortress to protect me.” (Psalms 34:7) “I may be hated by most but I'm loved by those who matter the most.” So I ask you: Do you really want, expect, even demand the respect of puny humans? Or would you rather have the blessed approval of almighty God?

Ever had someone sneak up on you and suddenly scare you? You probably had a good laugh. Did it make you any less of a person because they tricked you? No. So if after reading this article you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, please don't feel like less than a human being. We can't see everything. We don't have vision like God. But we do have extra spiritual eyes. We have the Holy Spirit and the word of God that exposes everything. (Hebrews 4:12-13) If after doing some heartfelt soul searching you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you thank God for revealing it to you. Confess it, repent, and keep it moving. (Proverbs 28:13)

MY CHILDHOOD

How often have we heard someone say or said ourselves, “If I had been raised this way or that way,” or, “If my childhood had gone like this or that I would be better off?” Might this person be Discontented? Yes, especially if this is a pestering thought. Anyone annoyed by such thoughts is not happy or satisfied with themselves or their circumstances. Some of us see the deceptive trick the Devil has played on someone who feels this way. And remember, it doesn't make us any less of a person if that trick has been played on us. Discontentment is a tricky dude. He sneaks up on us all at one time or another.

Please Read Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 says that God has made the good time as well as the bad time. And no one can straighten what he has made crooked. So if we really believe what God's word says we will accept the good with the bad. That includes our childhood. If we believe God we will stop blaming our parents, our past circumstances, etcetera, for who we are today. Even if our parents sucked at raising us Jesus tells us to forgive them. (Matthew 6:14-15) We are now adults, and have way more control over our own lives. Changing for the better is a good thing. It is often hard but it's worth it. Our human nature though finds it a lot easier to blame others for what we don't like about ourselves. It's much easier to mope in self-pity. If this is how we feel deep down inside Discontentment has snuck up on us. God's word encourages us to deal with our feelings. Believing and following God will nullify all feelings of Discontentment and self-pity. (1 Timothy 6:8)

SHAKE IT OFF

Please Read Proverbs 28:13

The first step to overcoming any wrong thinking is to admit it. We must be honest with God and with ourselves by confessing any feelings of resentment we have towards our parents or anything else. Maybe you didn't have a normal childhood. Maybe there are things you wished you could have done as a child you never got to do. Be honest before God and tell Him how this made you feel. Then please follow His counsel and let it go. We can never change the past. But you can play a big part right now in choosing for yourself how life will be now and in the future. That doesn't mean it will be easy. But it can be done. Positive change is better than allowing resentment to secretly build up in our hearts and destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8-9) Self-pity is a trap of the Devil. Instead, if we delight ourselves in the Lord he WILL give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4) Believe God. Don't believe feelings of Discontentment and resentment.

If you've noticed that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, good. It should scare you. But you can shake it off through confession and believing what the Bible says. Follow God's word not your heart. (Jeremiah 17:9) The human heart is the most treacherous thing of all. If you really want proof that negative things in one's childhood can turn out super good read what the Bible says in John chapter 9 about a man who was born blind, and how this brought glory to God. You are a unique human being. There is no one else on earth created exactly like you. Thank God for creating you and embrace who you are. With God's help make the changes that need to be made for His glory. Changes that will make you better not bitter.

Please Read Colossians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The words above just don't seem like enough to tell God how grateful we are for His goodness. But they're all we have. “Thank You Lord,” should roll off our lips constantly. There is so much that God does, has done, and will do for us. We are blessed! It's interesting how it doesn't look that way here on earth sometimes. But looks have been known to be deceiving. No matter what you do, how much wealth you attain, or whatever you become in this world, it all means nothing in the eternal scheme of things if it's not rooted in God. (Mark 8:36)

SET FOR ETERNAL LIFE

Besides having our daily needs met God has given us eternal life. John 3:16 says that anyone who believes in His son Jesus Christ has eternal life. On the other hand every Jesus hater will perish. This life is so short. Can you imagine being shocked after waking up from your worldly dream, only to find out there really is hell to pay for being a God hater? We don't have that problem. We live in Christ and he lives in us. (John 15:5-7) Our future is set forever! We continue to live just as God continues to live. (John 11:25-26) That in itself is enough reason to say, “Thank You Lord!”

Please Read James 3:2

Ever said something you wish you could take back? Hopefully we all have. Why do I say this? Because James 3:2 says we all offend others in what we say and do. If anyone doesn’t they’re perfect. And we know there are no perfect people. Don’t beat yourself up too much for a slip of the tongue. If you can apologize to those you have offended. We can always apologize to God; confessing our sins to Him. (Proverbs 28:13) He knows we fall short and gives us His grace freely. (Romans 3:23-24) No one can go without saying something wrong, it is impossible. Though we should strive to have excellent speech we all have a slip of the tongue now and then.

I think the person most widely known for slipping with his tongue in the Bible is Peter. And I think it’s very unfair. Peter said some of the most profound things in the Bible too. But they don’t get as much publicity. For example, Peter was the first among the disciples to openly acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-20) Peter also was the one who stood before the leaders of the early church and explained to them that God does not show partiality. He is not just the God of the Jews. He is the the God of every person in every nation that fears Him, and lives righteously. (Acts 10:34-35) Peter said and did so many wonderful things. These don’t seem to get the same coverage as Peter’s blunders. Our fallen sinful nature loves to harp on the shortcomings of others. Many so-called religious people today will wish they were like Peter. They don’t even come close to the Man Of God he was. Yet they find fault with him.

Please Read Proverbs 20:9 1 John 1:8-10

No one can honestly say, “I am pure and without sin.” That includes sinning with the words that come out of our mouths. If we say we are sinless we are deceiving ourselves and making God out to be a liar. The truth is not in us. God’s word is not in our hearts. But if we confess our sins (that includes what comes out of our mouths) God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins. Let’s not pretend we never say anything wrong. Let’s go before the throne of grace and receive mercy from God. Words are very important to Him. If they were not Jesus wouldn’t have said that on Judgment Day people will have to give an account for every useless word that came out of their mouths. (Matthew 12:36-37) Let’s get ahead of the game so to speak. Let’s repent and ask God’s mercy when we have a slip of the tongue. And if we can apologize to others we’ve offended.

Please Read 2 Peter 3:3-7

Everyone is moving like nothing is going on. “All things are happening like they always have since the beginning of time,” they say. “Y'all been saying for years, 'Jesus is coming.' ” Where Is he?” They deliberately forget that God destroyed the world with a flood years ago. And He has appointed the present system to be destroyed by fire on the day of judgment.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17

God tells us not to love the world. And anyone who loves the world doesn't have love for the Father. Then God describes to us what everything in the world is:

1. The lust of the flesh.

2. The lust of the eyes.

3. The pride of life.

All these come not from the Father but from the world. And they will pass away too. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. They have eternal life with God.

LUST OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh as sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, witchcraft, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, discord, fits of anger, selfish ambition, factions, dissensions, drunkennes, envy, orgies, etcetera. Whoever has these as their lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God.

LUST OF THE EYES

Some think they're good because they don't commit adultery. But Jesus said anyone who looks at a woman (or man) lustfully has already committed adultery with her/him in their heart. (Matthew 5:27-29) But “lust of the eyes” means way more than this. Coveting with our eyes what is forbidden has many forms.

PRIDE OF LIFE

'I got this, I own that, I'm great for this, I got money,' etcetera. Sounds like the lyrics to one of the latest rap songs. It's also the pride of life. The Bible says pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) The spirit of, 'I'm somebody important; I'm somebody because of this achievement, or that endowment,' has caused many to fall to their destruction. Those who think they're better than everybody else for any reason will not inherit God's kingdom. (Luke 18:9-14)

God breaks down the heart of the world into three components: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We must fight these like the plagues they are. All who stay away from them and do the will of God will live forever in the kingdom of their Father.