1 John 2:24
As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
His deception is so well crafted that we often run with it like it’s the truth. Satan’s temptations don’t have to come to us in the form of impure thoughts or outright defiance. He often comes “disguised as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14), asking you to take pride in how “good” of a Christian you are, or how long you can spend in prayer.
My prayers often reflect my desire to be the best Christian leader, husband, or student I can be. I earnestly ask the Lord to help me be all of these things for Him, but seldom acknowledge what He’s called me to be.
Before I can be anything else… even if I don’t ever become anything else, the Lord has called me to be His servant. If I seek to be anything other than His servant, there will always be opportune situations where I can set those labels aside and focus on seeking myself rather than Him.
Be aware that Satan’s temptations aren’t always so noticeable. Sometimes your desire to be the best student, athlete, husband, wife, or witness can lead you down the wrong path. When in doubt, remember the basics. Remember the fundamental truths of your faith. Jesus didn’t ask Peter to be the leader of the first century church, He simply asked Him to, “put down your nets and follow me.”