The One Exception

Love Your Enemies ... but not this one.

I love to talk about hopeful, encouraging and uplifting topics. But once in a while, I become so burdened with a message or an insight that I feel compelled to put it out there as a "warning" -- which, if taken in the right spirit, could be encouraging (in a scary sort of way).

It really is a Screwtape* world.

I do not enjoy thinking or writing about spiritual warfare. It scares me. And in general, I like to leave warlike thinking to men (smile). But, Jesus thought that it was important enough to impress upon us, so I cannot ignore it. Of course, it's not new news -- but it is easy to ignore if you are so inclined. So, here we go.

There is one enemy we are not supposed to love. His name is Satan. 

He hates you, and wants to destroy you -- But ssshhhhh...it's kind of a secret. Let's blow his cover, shall we?

A Very Scary Truth.

Satan has been given authority over the earth. He is the Prince of the earth (John 14:30). And God let him have this authority when Adam and Eve chose to dine with a serpent in the Garden.

Satan is the originator of DECEPTION, LIES, and TWISTED TRUTH. 

His goal is to destroy human life, and to do that he was given one means to do it: Lies and deception. And it is working very well indeed.

Jesus said to them (Pharisees)...

 ^"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)

The devil led him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. (Luke 14:5-6) 

 

Satan is responsible for much more than just bad behavior.

It's clear here that God gave Satan authority over this world -- for the time being, at least. God will have the ultimate victory, but not yet. Satan's power to destroy is through deception. And the problem is not just sinful behavior -- it can be negative emotions, like depression, doubt, or anxiety that falsely informs our minds that we are somehow guilty or condemned, which is of course, a huge lie! (Romans 8:1)

Recognize the embedded lie.

The next time you are tempted to choose a path away from God, pay close attention to the LIE that is attached to it.  

You will find clarity, power and peace when you bravely look for the lie attached to your struggle or temptation.  Ask yourself: "What is the LIE that is driving me to do/have/be something that is clearly not God's best plan for me?" Then, when you find it, flip it around to the truth. 

Always remember that as a Jesus-follower, you have a new heart.

Your heart is no longer compatible with sin. So when sin comes into your life, it will usually feel uncomfortable. It is not coming from your heart -- it is infiltrating from the OUTSIDE-IN (Romans 7:17). Sin is a parasite, not your true identity. So, instead of beating yourself up, beat up the predator that is sending you deceptive information.

He's not the boss of you.

Be on the lookout. Pray daily for delivery from Satan's destructive influence in your life. It is a prayer God answers! It is an important element in The Lord's Prayer. Take it seriously. And when you recognize Satan's sneaky influence in your thinking, tell him to go back to hell where he belongs and leave you alone.

Take heart! It's not over yet.

Stay close to the One who loves you. You are safe in His arms.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

I have a song for everything...   "Prince of Peace" by Hillsong UNITED

Video: Andy Stanley "Twisting the Truth"
Book: The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis