For a business to be successful, it needs strategic goals that answer questions like, what do we want to achieve and by when; how much change do we want to see, and will the outcome fulfill the mission of the company. Some of these principles were at work as Jesus Christ met the devil in the wilderness. Jesus had a clear understanding of His identity as the Son of God, of his mission to always please his Father. So when the devil tried to undermine his character and mission, Jesus did not fall for it. The devil tempted him to prove his deity by turning stones into bread. Jesus told him No because man does not live by bread alone. The devil tempted him to jump off the Temple to get instant notoriety. Jesus said No–we must not put God to a foolish test. The devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world with their glory–without suffering. Jesus told the devil, “Get out of here. We must worship only God.” So to win over the devil, Jesus relied on his identity as God’s Son, His purpose to please His Father; He relied on the reliability of God’s written Word. That can be our winning strategy over the devil too.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
