Spot The Enemy

I Peter 5:8-9

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Reflections

Have you ever considered the “bad guy” characters in a story of trauma? They masquerade and deceive. Accusations, shame, arguments, wrath, and infliction of pain are their modes of operation. The thought of their presence can fill victims with anxiety, fear, anger, and doubt.

Often, these characters manipulate or use others to do their dirty work. They elevate pleasure and flesh and then usually make their victims feel like the source of dysfunction—this sense of condemnation tears at the soul of the one who is abused.

If you’ve been impacted by abuse, you know the reality of what it means when someone comes to steal, kill, or destroy. Your innocence or childhood has been stolen, your soul feels dead, and there is often a massive path of destruction in the wake of your brokenness. The abuser’s pride is on full display as they feel the right to take what is not theirs. They tempt the innocent and take advantage of the most vulnerable among them. And sadly, they can be applauded for miracles and righteous living while, behind the scenes, they are abusive and destructive to those around them.

To the person who wants to live a godly life or heal from such pain, just reading those descriptions can stir intense emotions and a need for justice. There can be righteous indignation or a strong sense of deterrence from such madness. But, the characters in the trauma description are not unlike other characters we often overlook or pacify.

This is how the Bible describes our enemy, Satan. He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14). He is a deceiver/accuser/arguer and filled with wrath (Rev 12:9-10, 12). He causes physical pain (Job 1-2, Luke 13:16, 2 Cor 12:7). He speaks through others (Mark 8:33). He condemns (Rom 8:1), lies and murders (John 8:44), and is filled with pride (1 Tim 3:6). He tempts while coming to steal, kill and destroy (Matt 4:3, John 10:10). And, finally he can be associated with miracles in the middle of evil deception (2 Thess 2:9-10).

We must be sober and vigilant. We must resist him and stand firm in faith that we too may not be destroyed (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Are there things you let into your home, even under the guise of entertainment, that carry Satan’s characteristics?

Prayer

Lord, I want to know Your voice. Please draw me into the knowing of you that I quickly recognize any imposter. Align my will and resolution in hard circumstances with Your Spirit and protect me from meditating on things that are not from You.