Comprehension

For we are not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices.

2 Corinthians 2:11

There’s nothing wrong with eating a piece of bread, but Jesus, seeing through the devil’s scheme at the Temptation, refused to partake. He said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ ” (Matthew 4:4).

There may be nothing wrong with repeating that story, attending that play, making that purchase, or saying those words. But sometimes there is something wrong with doing those things if we’ll just have the discernment to recognize it.

One of Satan’s oldest tricks is to confuse our values so that good appears to be evil, and evil appears as good. He is the deceiver, and his deadliest tools often appear to be innocent pleasures. The Bible tells us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Where do we find the needed wisdom to spot Satan’s ploys? Only a close walk with God, a deep study of Scripture, and an intense prayer life will supply the special discernment to see through his devices.

Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to guard your mind, your mouth, and your morals. Ask Him to open your eyes and to deliver you from evil. And keep your armor on!