Recently I have become convinced that much, not all, but much of the heartache in our families is related to the designs and activity of the evil one. Satan is called a liar and the father of lies, (John 8:44, 55), the deceiver (Rev. 12:9), the one who blinds and veils the eyes (2 Cor. 4:4). He delights in confusing (cf. Gen. 3), bringing division and strife, and the oppression of people both physically and emotionally.
We must fight him with the most powerful weapons we have, the word and prayer in the Spirit. This Christmas season, don't let the enemy deceive, divide or confuse you. Love one another with a love that will not quit. Care for one another. Look out for one another. Put on the full armor of God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Please ...
... be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf ... (Eph. 6:18-19)
I need it. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need it, and your neighbors who you are commanded to love, need it most of all.
3 comments:
This is a timely reminder. Thanks! I will take this to heart.
Couldn't agree with you more. Paul saw a connection between relational discord and the strengthening grip of the evil one in Eph.4:26-27:
26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
I don't know why this doesn't get talked about more than it does.
I'm prone to think that satan is behind more than we know b/c with our naturalistic modern world view we hold as Christians we rarely see spiritual foul play.
Spiritual foul play is a good term for what I observe in too many relationships between believers. Instead of seeing the enemy for what he is, a liar, we get angry with one another and forget the unity of the cross. Ours is an age lacking in discernment. But there is hope. God is still sovereign and he and the truth will win out.
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