Satan: Defend Yourself

For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

For decades Russia and the United States each invested billions to develop new offensive weapon systems against which the other cannot defend. The objective? Then the opponent must develop a new budget-busting defensive system or risk a devastating first strike.

The strategies for American and Russian defensive systems differ radically. Russia’s jewels are all interior, centered in Moscow. America’s jewels are scattered all along our coasts. The methods of defense and offense for these two countries are, of necessity, very different.

A retired U.S. Air Force general explained our national defense system to me: the Strategic Triad consists of our bomber force, ICBM’s, and submarines. Any one of the three can defend against a nuclear strike, for they are overlapping systems. Why in the world do we need three overlapping systems? Isn’t that a waste of tax dollars? Why did we decide to defend ourselves so carefully? And especially when the Russians frequently appear to exhibit such good intentions?

As the general explained, our national defense policy is built on this premise: We defend against capabilities, not intentions.

The world is full of good intentions. The Christian is called to give the benefit of the doubt, to go as a sheep among wolves, and to be innocent as a dove. Yet the unwary Christian is likely to accept the good intentions of the world and let down his defenses. When he does, the enemy will mount a full-scale attack, penetrating at the point of weakness where you are not prepared to defend.

The Christian must defend against Satan’s capabilities, not his good intentions. He comes as an angel of light. He looks for holes in the wall of our strategic defense system. He will attack undefended vulnerabilities, the jewels.

Maybe you have done a good work for the Lord. Satan will remind you of how much you have done for God and tempt you to pride. Or he knows we want to serve the Lord, and he whispers a good idea into your ear, one that would help save the world, but one that would cause you to sacrifice your family.

Satan will send his servants to you with good ideas—righteous ideas. But they will take you away from God ideas, those priorities that God would have you pursue. A good thing is not necessarily a God thing. The only way to know is to pray. Never accept a good thing until you know it is a God thing. Defend yourself against the crafty offense of the evil one.

Satan doesn’t come to the Christian and tempt him to transparent evil. To presume Satan will attack us at our strong point defies good sense. No, instead he will tempt us at the weakest point of our defenses, where we have forgotten his capabilities. He will not mount a direct attack on our strengths. He will look for our vulnerabilities, the places where we do not think defenses are needed.

For example, Satan will not tempt you to hate your family; he will tempt you to absentmindedly let your good deeds consume your time until you are out serving Christ five nights a week. The result for your family will be the same as if you hated them. Mission accomplished.

Defend against Satan’s capabilities. As the angel of light, his intentions will appear good. But we must defend against the enemy’s capabilities, not his apparent intentions. Protect the jewels Christ entrusted to you.

I SURRENDER

Father, I have been tempted to follow a destructive course. It appeared like a good course, but I didn’t weigh all the consequences. I am wrapped up in good intentions. Help me to re-evaluate my priorities. Help me to defend against the schemes of Satan which attack me where I am vulnerable. Never let me think I don’t need a strong defense. It is Satan’s capabilities against which I must defend, not his apparent good intentions. Amen.