Craig Clouston

 

Leverage

November 12

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2Corinthians 2:11 KJV

Kurt and Stevie decided to settle the matter by means of arm wrestling. They’d grown up watching the movie ‘Over The Top’ starring Sylvester Stallone, the truck-driving good guy, who beat the odds by winning the Las Vegas Arm Wrestling Tournament, and the top prize of a new semi.

Today it wasn’t a truck at stake, but a single baseball card of disputed ownership.

“No cheating!” Stevie admonished.

“I don’t cheat!” Kurt spat back. “I do what Sly did to gain an advantage!” he countered, referring to Stallone’s positioning his hand slightly over his opponent’s thumb to help cancel any size advantage by the use of leverage.

“That’s not fair! You’re bigger than me! I get to go ‘over the top!’” Stevie argued, as they wrangled for position.

Few things are as entertaining as two adolescent boys settling their battles through competition. Spurred on by an increase in testosterone, they exaggerate body language, posturing in an attempt to intimidate each other and gain a psychological advantage. This contest proved to be no different as Kurt and Stevie fought for any advantage. After all…there was a baseball card at stake!

Unexpectedly, Kurt hollered, “Go!” and instantly, Stevie was pinned.

“That’s not fair! I wasn’t ready!” Stevie argued, rubbing his sore arm, pointing out yet another problem with young aggression.

†

Leverage, defined as ‘an advantage in position or in means at one’s disposal’ is what Satan uses to gain unfair advantage when he detects weakness. Paul encourages us not to be ignorant of these devices.

In today’s text, Paul is speaking about forgiveness for sinners, by sinners. We are not to act as Satan, taking unfair advantage of others, and unwittingly becoming one of his pawns. As difficult as this sometimes is, we need to take a breath, step back, and ask God to provide the desire to exhibit the same grace we ourselves have been extended.

If practiced faithfully, grace and forgiveness become the leverage by which we overcome the enemy’s wiles.

Prayer

“Lord, help me discern any advantage the enemy would use as leverage in my life. Give me wisdom and conviction to live for You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”