Below are a few ways Satan tempts us to think to get our focus off of actually being intimately united with Christ.  I call it "subtle separation thinking" that ultimately leads to frustration and despair.  I have included biblical truths that can set us free from such thinking.

"Just let go and let God!"

"I can't do this, but you can God!"

There is a seed truth in each of the thoughts presented in this Rest Stop, which is how Satan tries to hook us.  The seed truth in this thought is that in and of ourselves, we can do nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). 

 

However, this way of thinking can still distract us from our intimate relationship with God.  A seed of truth wrapped in a lie is a whole lie.

 

God through the Bible exhorts us to know that we can, in union with Christ, do what God commands us to do.

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

 

"It's all about Christ, not me!"

Again, there is a seed truth here in that we are indeed only to glorify the Lord and not ourselves.  And a portion of Galatians 2:20 is used to promote this thought, "Not I but Christ," which can sound humble.

 

However, the more complete context of Galatians 2:20 is that "...the life that I now live, I live by faith of the Son of God..."  So, Christ doesn't replace us, He unites us to His life in an intimate relationship.  In this union we still do something, and we do it in communion with Christ.

 

For you died (with Christ), and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, you will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:3-4).

"Make me strong Lord!"

My dear friend and mentor Dr. John Best testifies of the real truth:  "Instead of making me strong, I now ask the Lord to be my strength in union with Him."

 

And Christ said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

"What would Jesus do?"

This phrase was once popularized by the acronym WWJD.  However, the subtle deception through this thinking is that you are separate from Christ and that you can imitate Him with your own human resources.

 

John Best again well testifies of the real truth:  "Instead of asking what would Jesus do?" ask, "Am I living in such a dynamic union with Christ that He is producing His character in me?"

 

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lust (Romans 13:14).

 

"Allow Christ to live through you."

The wonderful seed truth is Romans 15:18, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed."

 

However, the subtle separation thinking can be that we  are inert containers Christ lives through.  Such thinking dismisses the living relationship we have with Christ.

 

Note in the verse following Romans 15:18 that Paul does indeed testify he does something (i.e., preach), but he does so  under the power of the Spirit of God.

 

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed...in mighty signs and wonders, by the Spirit of God...I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:18-19).