I’ve heard it said for several years, “new levels bring new devils” and honestly, I’ve never understood it. Besides it’s catchy rhyming tone, I’m not sure it carries much weight. Now, I do understand that new levels bring new challenges and require a greater focus of responsibility but I just don’t see the demonology within the catchy expression.
Satan (devil) uses the same old scheme of deception on everyone; regardless of “the level” they might be in. It’s not “new devils” it’s the same lie, same deception and the same old story. If we choose to bite the same apple of trickery, he’s got us once again.
So, what’s the truth about new levels?
Well, the Bible is full of many examples – let’s consider the Israelites. They were told about the Promise Land, the land flowing with milk and honey. It was a HUGE upgrade compared to the slave slums of Goshen, in Egypt.
Unfortunately, they became accustomed to the manna that fell from heaven, the clothes that didn’t wear off and all the perks they received in the wilderness. This new and better level required RESPONSE– ABILITY. Regrettably, their perspective of responsibility was fear. They proclaimed, “there are giants in the land that swallowed their inhabitants” (Numbers 13:32).
If the Israelites faced any “devils,” they faced the same old devils of their unbelief and small thinking. They got used to handouts as slaves in Egypt and as free people in the wilderness. They became familiar with the manna that fell from heaven to feed them and were afraid to enter a new land that would require work, management and responsibility.
Here’s a litmus test for all of us… Our indecision and fear of the uncertain and unfamiliar, may come from an existing irresponsibility to the present. As long as we fail to steward our current level, new levels will “appear” to have BIG DEVILS. But in reality, all it really has is US – acting little!
Blog entry #45 – Learning to be responsible in my current level.
