When going to a special event, we devote some serious thought to what we are going to wear. We want to add to our ensemble something we refer to as the “wow factor.” In designing, decorating, and deciding on pieces and the perfect places that items will be put, again we consider the “wow factor.” Why do people spend so much time at the beauty shop, the barber shop, and in shopping for a new car? The answer is the same. We look for the “wow factor.” When men a women try out for a sports team, they look at the number of people trying out compared to the number of athletes that will make the squad. Seeing the head coach and assistant coach standing on the sidelines, clipboards in hand, looking like powerful, mythical gods (“Small “g” now!), those trying out get focused and try to impress, doing their best, and going to their arsenal of moves: the exhibition of speed, the ability to avoid errors or misses, and sooner or later in the tryouts they go to their “wow factor.” Let me expound on the latter. In basketball it might be an ankle breaking crossover that is the “wow factor.”. In baseball it might be robbing another player of a hit or even a homerun that becomes the ”wow factor”. In track it might be starting in the far lane and trailing until the last 25 meters of the 400-meter race, and suddenly saved up energy is released, and the runner runs relentlessly fast! The “wow factor” takes over and the runner finishes in first place. When you are cooking a meal for that special someone for the first time, guess what? You take your culinary skill to a captivating height. That captivating height is your “wow factor.”
As believers the “wow factor” appears as you devote your days to living as described by the words in Jesus’ similitudes, “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.”
Now before you start being critical, and you think my title was a typographical error, it is not. I really sat down to write about “The Wile Factor.” Really, I did! You see, as believers, during all our waking hours while we are trying to walk in the newness of life, and during the night when iniquitous dreams invade our minds, we must deal with “The Wile Factor.” Both day and night, we should try to do our best in living as a Christian ought, showing our “wow factor,” revealing that we are indeed born again!
My friend, you can control the “wow factor,” by making the choice to live a sanctified life, and making sure you let the Lord order your steps. Satan, the devil, is relentless, rearing up his temptation by using the “wile factor.” Be ready by taking the advice below from the word of God. “Wow” everybody, everywhere you go today and defeat the wiles of the devil. And when someone asks, “How do you do that, direct them to the same scriptures. Turn on the “wow” this Thursday! Be blessed!
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:11-24 King James Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King