Off the pedestal – 2 July 2008

In the struggle between our hearts and minds we are constantly being undermined by the trickery and deception of Satan (see Farai’s excellent Devotionals of May for more about this). 

Satan speaks to our minds, with a spirit of condemnation – to me he says:

-          You are not a good father, you keep failing as an example to your children

-          What makes you think you are worthy to be a small group leader?

-          Are you really doing a good job, why don’t you work harder?

-          If everyone could see into your mind, how could anyone love you?

The reality is that we are not perfect in any role we perform – but Satan likes to remind us about this so that he can encourage us to “throw in the towel” and give up “living a lie” so we can be less hypocritical and just carry on being evil and even enjoy it.  We must recognize this as a tactic and not start to believe what Satan wants us to believe.

Paul gave a good summary of our defence against Satan in his letter to the Ephesians:

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6: 11-13 [NIV]

Are there any chinks in your armour today?