I am quite cynical about some ads that offer to make my life, better, happier, easier and healthier.
So, I give them little if any thought. I am familiar with their pressure tactics; yet I am not immune to temptation; “Act now,” “Get it while it lasts,” “Seize the moment,” “Don’t miss out” …”Call now while supplies last.” All taken from Satan’s book of tactics—and it works!
Which is very much like a “Huckster" offering me something that will make me feel better, happier, wealthier and make my life easier.
It is aimed at my flesh nature, which so easily falls for the offer of pleasure, power or glory—gratification without cost or growth. We live in a culture that is so self serving that it has adopted the belief, “If it feels good, it must be good.” Any offer that promises to make life easier immediately draws our interest.
Satan’s offer is easy enough to recognize; it comes with the same pressure to “Act now,” “Seize the moment,” “Don’t miss out” … Like all “Huckster” offers it plays on our fear of “missing out,” calling for immediate action, often without thought of the cost.
Our flesh looks for these opportunities and short-cuts, even if they are outside God’s provision. It schemes and dreams of getting something ‘good’ without paying the price.
Pleasure, greed and power—all part of the flesh life—work that way.
They offer rewards, but can’t deliver; only God can. We fail to see beyond the moment and become easy prey to the enemy.
That the offers appeal to the flesh and its sinful nature is clearly evident by the obvious exclusion of; preferring another, taking up another's burden, loving your neighbor, honoring those in authority and laying down your life for the sake of another. John 15:17, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:7, Galatians 5:13-1; Galatians 6:2; 1 John 3:16.
Temptation is generally expedient and always self-serving.
God is not a “huckster.” He always speaks truth and His ways are peace and life. (There are no short-cuts with God.)
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:” Deuteronomy 28:1-3