The Authority of the Believer

In an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, a couple of farmers were illegally selling their vegetables on the roadside. Deputy Barney Fife pulled his squad car over and told them they had to leave. The two big bullies stood up to him, saying they weren't going anywhere. Barney backed down from them and hurriedly sped away.

After returning to the courthouse, Barney was fearful of having to confront the lawbreakers again. When Sheriff Andy found out what the farmers had done, he reminded Barney that he was an officer of the law, and he had to go back and order them to get out of town.

Barney returned to the veggie stand and asked them again to leave. The thugs walked up, stood in front of him, and defiantly crossed their arms. Barney tapped on his badge, looked them in the eye, and said, "Sure, you guys are big, but this badge represents people who are a lot bigger than you are." The bullies hung their heads, backed down, got in their truck and drove away.

This scene gives us a picture of the authority that believers have in the spiritual realm. In our natural strength, we'll act like Barney, fearful of the devil. Satan plants lies in our minds, telling us that every horrible thing imaginable will happen to us. It's at that time we must remember our divine badge of authority over Satan. Jesus said, "I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you" (Luke 10:19).

You have been "deputized" by the King of kings, and the spiritual badge you're wearing represents a God who is much bigger than the devil. When we submit to God and stand in our authority, we can "resist the devil and he will flee" (James 4:7).

Don't let Satan torment you with fear and worry for another minute. Use your authority and order him to "get out of town."

Keep looking up,

Kent

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