In the Garden of Eden, Eve's first temptation was doubting God.
The first temptation Adam faced, however, was passivity. He failed to remind Eve of what God had told him and followed her suggestion to eat the fruit.
Passivity has been a temptation for men and women ever since. It's far easier to be passive than to step up with courage. Starting in childhood, when another kid gets bullied, it takes courage to not passively sit by while another child is hurt. In teenage years, walking in purity and self-control takes courage when your friends and the culture reward the opposite. In adulthood, it takes courage to say something to a friend who is addicted to work, always having the third glass of wine, or constantly checking their phone.
However, the Holy Spirit empowers us to claim our victory because of the cross and the empty tomb. Tauren Wells proclaims this victory in his song "Take It All Back."
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Wells' song is a bold, faith-filled anthem that inspires the opposite of passivity in listeners. When the song was released, Wells stated, "My hope is to empower you with the faith it takes to go get what God has promised you back! Are you bold enough to believe that God has given you the power to reclaim what the enemy stole from your life?! "
Wells' sentiment echoes Jesus' famous words recorded in John 10:10: "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." Jesus was clear with his disciples that our enemy, Satan, intended to take God's blessings from them.
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Awareness of this reality drove the Apostle Paul to warn the believers in Ephesus about spiritual opposition. "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
Wells invites listeners to be honest about this kind of opposition, echoing the words of 1 Peter 5, where the famous apostle compares Satan's attacks to those of a prowling lion.
"Fears got me living with the lights out
Chained down like a prisoner in my own house
Shame cycles like a daily medication
I try, but I can't change my situation
'Cause the lion comes to rob my joy."
As a pastor, I often encounter people who feel stuck in life. It's like they're walking in a fog, unable to see clearly the promises of God and unable to feel His presence. It can take the encouragement of a friend or the powerful words of a song like "Take It All Back" to break through the fog.
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Later in the song, Wells goes on the offensive. Rejecting passivity, Wells boldly declares his faith and commits to courageous obedience.
"We're done with all the mind games you try to play
If ain't clear yet, I want everything you took from me
In the name of the one who is peace, the one who heals all disease
The only reason that I am free, that name is Jesus."
Wells' bold lyrics echo the words of the prophet in Isaiah 54. Looking ahead to a future work of God, the prophet declared, "But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me."
If Wells' song has inspired you in your tendency towards passivity, these Scriptures and the song lyrics outline a bold action plan.
First, acknowledge you're in a spiritual battle with an enemy more powerful than you. Remembering this truth is essential because, like any soldier, you lose every battle you don't know you're fighting.
Second, remember that Satan is not more powerful than Jesus. While Satan is the enemy of God, he is not his equal.
Third, reject passivity and take hold of all God has given you. From the armor of God to the power of the Holy Spirit to the promises God has made to His people, you have far more than you can imagine at your disposal in this battle. You are not a defeated victim. You have the victory by the same power that raised Jesus from the grave. As Romans 8:37 declares, "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."
If you're in a foggy season of anxiety, doubt, or pain, then give "Take It All Back" a listen. Remember who God is and stand in the victory He has won today!
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name in the world. Scott’s writing helps you laugh, challenges you to think, and invites you to grow. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona, and watches lots of movies with his wife and three kids. You can begin Scott’s newest project, The 21 Day Gratitude Challenge, today.
